Written Answers Nos. 426-443
426. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to ensure large companies tendering for the national broadband plan do not gain such dominance that they can exclude smaller companies from accessing the necessary spectrum to provide broadband access, especially for fixed wireless networks. [38298/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated. The aim of the Plan is to bring competitively priced quality services to rural areas, through a State intervention to build a new high speed broadband network. It is envisaged that this network will offer wholesale services to multiple retailers, who can in turn offer competitive and affordable and high speed broadband to users.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000 km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland. The procurement process is technology neutral. All three bidders involved in the competitive dialogue process are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the–home network solution to connect rural Ireland. This is their choice of technology. It is however possible that wireless technology may be part of the solutions proposed and this is a matter for bidders. Furthermore, as the network to be built will offer wholesale services, on an open-access basis, it will be open to existing wireless retailers to offer services on the new network. Wireless operators can also connect their technologies to the network if they can meet the high speed broadband specifications set out in the Plan, which includes a minimum of 30 Mbps download speed and 6 megabit per second upload speed.
In relation to the separate matter of the management of radio spectrum this is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended. ComReg is independent in the exercise of this spectrum management function.
In October, I signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to allocate spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. The liberalisation of this band is in accordance with EU rules, and will allow the band to be used for a combination of mobile and wireless services, providing better quality voice and data services to customers across Ireland.
I have no role or function in the delivery of the allocation process, which is a matter for ComReg. I am aware that ComReg has recently concluded its consultation process on the award process for the 3.6 GHz spectrum band, including from parties who may wish to provide fixed broadband services and others who may see this band as an opportunity to provide new services. ComReg has considered the views of all respondents and its decisions on this band must accord with its own statutory functions, objectives powers and duties.
427. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment , further to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 26 November 2015, when EirGrid will provide an answer to this question which has remained unanswered over a year later. [38435/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that EirGrid responded to the Deputy by e-mail on 22 December 2015 and on 3 February 2016. If the Deputy requires additional information, on receipt of such question, I can arrange for this to be forwarded to EirGrid.
428. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the results of the survey of the River Barrow conducted by Inland Fisheries Ireland will be published in view of the fact that publication of same was expected in July 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38492/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) carried out a catchment wide fish stock survey in the River Barrow catchment between June 29th and August 13th 2015. The main channel and all major sub-catchments were surveyed to assess fish status. A total of 119 sites in 20 tributary streams (Aughnavaud, Burren, Clashganny, Cushina, Douglas, Duiske, Figile, Greese, Lerr, Mountain, Owenass, Pollmounty, Slate, Stradbally, Triogue, Tully, Fushoge, Gowran, Madlin and Monefelim) were electrofished.
A total of 33 sites were surveyed on the main river channel between Rathcoffey near Mountmellick, Co. Laois and St. Mullins, Co. Carlow.
Dace, salmon, roach, minnow, perch, gudgeon, brown trout, pike, eel, stone loach, roach x bream hybrids, 3-spine stickleback and flounder were recorded during the survey. Roach and dace were dominant in many sections of the main channel, while juvenile salmon were common in the upper reaches. In general brown trout and salmon were the most common fish species in the tributary streams.
Following the extensive field work a considerable amount of laboratory work and data analysis to verify and collate results was required in order to prepare and publish a report of the survey works and its outcomes. It is expected that the final report will be available for dissemination at the end of next month.
429. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if grant aid is available to assist small enterprises to install 3 phase electricity in view of the substantial costs involved in having electricity supply upgraded, particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38579/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not administer grant aid for such a scheme.
The Farm Electrification Grant Scheme (FEGS) was administered and funded through the former Department of Community Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCEGA) and then by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government from January 2005 to 31 December 2011. The scheme is no longer in operation. In that time, however, some €511,000 was paid to farmers under the scheme, to subsidise the installation of electricity supply to farms located in disadvantaged areas which were without supply or where supply was inadequate to facilitate their development and modernisation. The maximum grant payable was €508 for single-phase supply and €1,016 for 3-phase supply.
Currently, the levying of connection charges is an operational matter for ESB Networks. ESB Networks operates the distribution network on the electricity grid. This is the medium and low voltage electricity network used to deliver electricity to connection points such as houses, offices, shops, business premises, and street lights. ESB Networks is responsible for building, maintaining and operating the distribution level network infrastructure including all overhead electricity lines, poles and underground cables used to bring power to Ireland's customers.
Tariffs and charges levied by ESB Networks are regulated by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), a statutorily independent body. In order to ensure that only equitable levels costs are collected through these tariffs, the CER carries out annual reviews of ESB Networks’ costs incurred in developing, maintaining and operating the distribution system.
Further information on the levying of charges on electricity customers and complaints in relation to connection the electricity network should be addressed to the CER who may be contacted at 01 4000800, 1890 404 404, energycustomers@cer.ie or Commission for Energy Regulation, The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
430. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the draft national mitigation plan due to be presented represents Ireland's fair share, based on GNI and carbon emissions per capita, of a global pathway with a reasonable likelihood of remaining well below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C, in view of current climate impacts causing 17 million persons in southern Africa to be in need of food aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38640/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015, which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
Work is well under way on the development of the first statutory National Mitigation Plan (NMP), required under Section 4 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015. The primary objective of the first NMP is to track implementation of measures already underway, identify additional measures in the longer term to reduce GHG emissions, and progress the overall national low carbon transition agenda to 2050. The first iteration of the NMP will place particular focus on putting the necessary measures in place to address the challenge to 2020, but also in terms of planning ahead to ensure that appropriate policies and measures can be put in place beyond this date and out to 2030.
The first NMP is being developed having regard to the low carbon transition vision set out in the National Policy Position, Ireland’s obligations under the current Effort Sharing Decision No 406/2009/EC, the Paris Agreement, and any likely future EU and international obligations that may arise, including new national targets to be agreed under the 2030 Climate and Energy Package. A key part of developing the NMP has been the preparation of appropriate technical, environmental and economic analysis to inform the decision-making process as to what should be included in the plan. These analyses are still on-going as part of the iterative approach to the development of the plan.
Specifically in relation to Ireland's response to the global challenge of climate change, this is driven by the Paris Agreement which entered into force on 4th November 2016. Ireland signed the Agreement in April of this year and completed the ratification process last month. The Agreement aims to tackle 95% of global emissions through 188 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). At COP21 in Paris, the Taoiseach announced that Ireland will provide at least €175 million in public funding to climate finance, mainly for adaptation in developing countries by 2020. Ireland is also making a €2m contribution to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) this year with further contributions to follow in 2017 and subsequent years.
Ireland will contribute to the emission-reduction objectives of the Paris Agreement via the NDC tabled by the EU on behalf of its Member States which commits to 40% reduction in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The specific details of the contribution to this 40% to be made by each Member State in respect of the non-ETS sector was the subject of a European Commission proposal published in July 2016. The full implications of this proposal from a domestic perspective are currently being examined, with Ireland being ambitious to make a contribution that is technically feasible, cost-effective and fair in terms of sharing the low carbon transition effort among Member States.
431. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there grant aid is available for solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38654/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects in Ireland. This builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future. With this in mind, Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the technologies being considered in the context of a new support scheme for renewable electricity generation which is under development.
It is widely recognised that solar PV technology is rapidly becoming cost competitive for electricity generation, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation. Solar also brings a number of benefits like relatively quick construction and a range of deployment options, including solar roof-mounted PV and utility-scale solar PV.
The first Technology Review public consultation on a new renewable support scheme was published in 2015 and following the completion of detailed economic analysis on the viability and cost effectiveness of supporting a range of renewable technologies - including Solar (PV) - a second public consultation will be published in 2017. Details of the next public consultation will be advertised on the Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie.
Before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. The new support scheme for renewable electricity is expected to become available in late 2017.
The Deputy might also be interested to know that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
432. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are plans to designate blue areas, commercial providers, identified in the high speed broadband map as amber areas, State intervention, to ensure that all parts of the country can benefit from similar speeds in view of the fact that fibre to the home has been identified as the preferable technology for the roll-out of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38681/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra433. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the 170,000 premises which were added to the amber area of the high-speed broadband map in July 2016; the way in which this figure was arrived at; the details regarding the premises including locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38682/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra434. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the precise number of premises expected to be covered under the national broadband plan; the criteria used to determine which areas are designated blue or amber in the high-speed broadband map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38683/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra436. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that, taking into consideration the revisions of July 2016, there will be no further changes to the designated blue and amber areas in the high-speed broadband map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38685/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 432 to 434, inclusive, and 436 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated. The State Intervention is being managed in accordance with EU state aid rules.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. Over the past 5 years, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
It is estimated that up to 70% of premises in Ireland will have access to commercial high speed broadband services provided by telecommunications operators, while the remaining 30%, consisting of over 750,00 premises, 100,000 km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland, will fall within the proposed State led intervention under the National Broadband Plan. Currently, approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband from commercial service providers.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
There are around 1.6 million premises in the BLUE area of which approximately 1.4 million premises in Ireland can now get high speed broadband. My Department is actively monitoring the deployment in the BLUE areas.
On 5 July, I announced that my Department identified that up to an additional 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is conducting further analysis with a view to identifying and locking down the Map for the remainder of the procurement process. This work will conclude shortly and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
Direct feedback from consumers continues to be important and if customers cannot access high speed broadband services, I would encourage them to contact my Department directly at broadband@dccae.gov.ie, quoting their address and Eircode and giving details of providers they have contacted with a view to obtaining services.
My Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area.
The procurement process for the State Intervention aims to identify an entity or entities to build, roll out, operate and deliver high speed broadband of at least 30 Mbps upload and 6 Mbps download speeds to all premises within the intervention area.
The three bidders in the procurement process have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution under the State Intervention meaning that much higher broadband speeds are possible. In cases where fibre is not viable, the bidders might opt for alternative technologies.
In parallel with the procurement, and in accordance with commitments in the Programme for Government, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. I expect the Taskforce to report by end 2016.
I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 auction of the 3.6 GHz radio spectrum band, to provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services.
I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
Together, these initiatives should assist in significantly improving the quality of broadband and mobile phone services across Ireland, putting Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.
435. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated costs which will be incurred for utilising the existing infrastructure of national networks to roll out fibre to the home; the source of funding for any costs associated with upgrading this infrastructure to enable fibre to the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38684/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) represents a very significant capital investment project for the State and aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
On 5 July the Government selected the Commercial Stimulus Model as the optimum ownership model for the network that will be part-funded by the Exchequer. The Department has completed detailed costings, down to every individual premise in the Intervention Area and, on that basis, has modelled the likely cost of various technologies and ownership models. It would not be appropriate to publish the expected cost of building the network or the likely cost to the State while a major public procurement process is underway. I do not intend therefore to indicate the overall estimated Exchequer funding parameters. Ultimately, the costs will depend on the price that bidder(s) quote in the tender process.
On 29 September 2015, the Government's 6 year Capital Plan, Building on Recovery, was published. It includes an allocation of €275m for the National Broadband Plan (NBP). This allocation provides the initial stimulus required to deliver the Government's intervention and it is expected that further funding will be available over the lifetime of any contract(s).
The Department commenced the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase of the procurement process in July and is engaged in the formal dialogue process with the three qualifying bidders. Following the conclusion of the Dialogue Phase and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed draft proposals, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of qualified bidders and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In preparation for the procurement stage of the process my Department investigated how different technical solutions could be used to deliver high speed broadband. In line with EU State Aid rules, the process must be "technology neutral" and it is not therefore possible to specify what technology should be used to build the network. Notwithstanding, the three bidders in the procurement process have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution under the State Intervention. In cases where fibre is not viable, the bidders might opt for alternative technologies.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to remove barriers to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn to support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
These initiatives should assist in significantly improving the quality of broadband and mobile phone services across Ireland, putting Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.
437. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason his Department did not issue a policy directive under sections 12 and 13 of the Broadcasting Act 2009; his views on whether the failure by his Department to issue a directive since 2003 has impeded investment and the roll-out of competitive alternative high speed next generation access, NGA, services in the past three years; his further views on whether this lack of direction by his Department could be considered a breach of the State’s obligation to promote competition in the provision of NGA services under the State aid guidelines governing the national broadband plan, NBP, intervention and the impact of this on the NBP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38686/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra438. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether ComReg, which is obliged to implement Government policy directives issued to it by him in regulating the market, is doing so in the absence of a current directive on the national broadband plan, NBP, and is relying on an expired 2003 directive; his further views on whether the current award process is in line with the NBP and the State’s obligations to protect and promote competition in the market for next generation access services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38687/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including Next Generation Access Services, is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The regulation of telecommunications operators is the statutory responsibility of the ComReg, which is independent in its functions.
Both policy and regulation have contributed substantially to the roll out of high speed broadband networks in the last number of years. ComReg's NGA decisions in 2013 created the framework to drive accelerated investment in high speed broadband, which is now available to approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland. ComReg's multiband spectrum auction in 2012, has also allowed the extensive roll-out of 4G networks with at least one operator now having in excess of 90% population coverage. From a policy perspective the National Broadband Plan is also driving investment, and legislation passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas to allow ESB to use its network to deliver high speed broadband services, has resulted in fibre-to-the-home services being rolled out currently in 17 regional towns.
In October, I signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to auction spectrum in the 3.6GHz band (Wireless telegraphy (3.6GHz Band Licences) Regulations, 2016 (S.I. 532 of 2016)). The liberalisation of this band is an EU requirement and the adoption of the 3.6 GHz EC Decision is mandatory for all EU Member States, including Ireland. This Decision is service-neutral, technology-neutral and expressly obliges Member States to allow the use of the entire 3.6GHz band fixed and mobile services. The release of spectrum in this band will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and/or fixed wireless services, leading to better quality voice and data services to customers across Ireland.
ComReg is independent in its functions and I have no role in the process for allocating the spectrum which is now underway. Having regard to the independence of ComReg in the matter and the fact that a process is underway, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. I would note however that the allocation process followed extensive public consultation by ComReg over almost a two year period. I have no reason to believe that the process being currently undertaken by ComReg will not result in the fair allocation of any future spectrum assignment and I expect the outcome of the process to provide a level of certainty and transparency for all stakeholders. A policy direction is neither necessary nor appropriate in the circumstances.
Investment decisions by the commercial telecommunications networks providers in the electronic communications market, including investment decisions on the roll-out of Next Generation Access (NGA) are taken purely on commercial grounds by each network operator, having regard to the predicted investment cost and the anticipated revenue returns from any such investment. The State can only intervene in this market in cases of clear market failure. In this regard the National Broadband Plan aims to bring competitively priced quality services to rural areas, through a State intervention to build a new high speed broadband network. It is envisaged that this network will offer wholesale services to multiple retailers, who can in turn offer competitive, affordable and high speed broadband to users.
The Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll out a new high speed broadband network in the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000 km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland. The procurement process is technology neutral. All three bidders involved in the competitive dialogue process are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the–home network solution to connect rural Ireland. Wireless technology may also play a role in part of the overall solution. It is a matter for the bidders in the process to put forward the technologies they believe are most appropriate to meet the NBP objectives.
Accordingly, I do not propose, nor do I see any necessity, to issue any policy direction to ComReg in this regard.
439. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the upcoming 3.6 Ghz spectrum award could result in the reduction of competition in the next generation access, NGA, market while increasing the scale and cost to the State of the proposed national broadband plan intervention; if he plans to ensure effective competition in the NGA market post the spectrum award process, ensuring continuation and investment in competitive NGA fixed wireless services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38688/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended. This role includes the allocation of radio spectrum, the award of spectrum licences and the associated application of terms and conditions and obligations. ComReg is independent in the exercise of this spectrum management function. In October, I signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to allocate spectrum in the 3.6GHz band. The allocation will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. The liberalisation of this band is in accordance with EU rules, and will allow the band to be used for a combination of mobile and wireless services, providing better quality voice and data services to customers across Ireland.
I have no role or function in the delivery of the allocation process, which is a matter for ComReg. I am aware that ComReg has recently concluded its consultation process on the award process for the 3.6GHz spectrum band, including from parties who may wish to provide fixed broadband services and others who may see this band as an opportunity to provide new services. ComReg has considered the views of all respondents and its decisions on this band must accord with its own statutory functions, objectives powers and duties.
The aim of the National Broadband Plan is to bring competitively priced quality services to rural areas, through a State intervention to build a new high speed broadband network. It is envisaged that this network will offer wholesale services to multiple retailers, who can in turn offer competitive and affordable and high speed broadband to users.
The Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000 km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland.
The procurement process is technology neutral. All three bidders involved in the competitive dialogue process are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home network solution to connect rural Ireland. This is their choice of technology. It is however possible that wireless technology may be part of the solutions proposed and this is a matter for bidders. Furthermore, as the network to be built will offer wholesale services, on an open-access basis, it will be open to existing wireless retailers to offer services on the new network. Wireless operators can also connect their technologies to the network if they can meet the high speed broadband specifications set out in the Plan, which includes a minimum of 30 Mbps download speed and 6 Mbps upload speed.
440. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which he will ensure that his energy and climate change plan will deliver 16% binding renewable targets by 2020; his views on fines from failing to meet these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38709/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030', published in December 2015, sets out a high-level framework for Ireland's energy transition to a low carbon economy and society and identifies a range of measures and actions to support this aim. The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy, with the latter transport target also being legally binding. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has calculated that 25.3% of electricity, 6.5% of heat and 5.7% of transport energy requirements were met from renewable sources at end 2015. The SEAI analysis also shows that 9.1% of Ireland’s overall energy requirements in 2015 were met from renewable sources and that this avoided €286 million of fossil fuel imports.
The Government has a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy and although good progress towards the target has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. My Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and a new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme, designed to assist us meeting our RES-E and RES-H targets. The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.
In the transport sector, Ireland aims to meet its renewable target mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels, with electric vehicles also making a small contribution. Further increases to the obligation rate in the Biofuels Obligation Scheme will take effect from 1 January 2017 when the rate will increase to 8% by volume.
441. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will progress the extension to the renewable energy feed in tariff 2 support scheme for those in the development of renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38779/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received a number of representations from the renewable energy industry and individual project developers seeking an extension to the project development milestones set out in the REFIT terms and conditions. Under the terms and conditions of the REFIT 2 scheme, projects must be connected by end 2017. The industry has highlighted the challenges that developers face in terms of securing finance for projects under development, in addition to the time it can take to construct and connect a renewable energy project. I am currently considering an extension to the development milestones in the REFIT 2 scheme and will conclude this process in the near future.
442. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he expects to meet carbon reduction targets in the time given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38862/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra445. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his priorities in respect of climate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38878/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra446. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his proposals for reducing our carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38879/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra451. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures his Department has taken to reduce the carbon footprint in the past year and any discussion he has had with his European colleagues in reducing same on a European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38875/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 442, 445, 446 and 451 together.
Climate-action related work is progressing in the context of:
- the high-level National Policy Position (2014) to pursue the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050;
- the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, which provides for the development and submission to Government of national mitigation plans and national adaptation frameworks in order to pursue the national transition objective; and
- our international and EU obligations.
In relation to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, Ireland has a target for each year between 2013 and 2020 under the 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision (ESD). For the year 2020, the target set is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. This is the most demanding 2020 target allocated under the ESD, and one shared only by Denmark and Luxembourg. The target for each of the years 2014 through 2019 is on a straight-line trajectory between the targets for 2013 and 2020, and surpluses in one year can be used to cover deficits in any subsequent year. The average incidence of these targets is a 12% reduction relative to 2005.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that emissions for 2015 are estimated at 59.84 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent, which is 3.7% higher than emissions in 2014. According to the EPA, these figures indicate that Ireland will be in compliance with its 2015 annual limit set under the ESD. However, the Agency has cautioned that the 2015 emissions data suggests that achievement of our long-term mitigation goals will be difficult. Moreover, the most recent EPA projections (March 2016) indicate that emissions for 2020 could be in the range of 6% to 11% below 2005 levels depending on whether or not additional policies and measures, beyond those already in place by the end of 2014, are implemented.
At international level, Ireland will contribute to the 2015 Paris Agreement via the Nationally Determined Contribution tabled by the EU in March 2015 on behalf of Member States, which commits to at least a 40% reduction in EU-wide emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). This is based on reductions in the ETS and non-ETS sectors of 43% and 30% respectively. The specific details of Ireland’s contribution to this overall EU 30% reduction in the non-ETS sector, as well as the contributions to be made by other Member States, are the subject of negotiations between the EU and Member States in the context of the European Commission Effort Sharing Regulation Proposal, which was published on the 20 July 2016. The outcome of these deliberations will determine Ireland’s contribution, which needs to reflect a level of ambition that is technically feasible, cost-effective and fair, to the overall EU 2030 effort.
In terms of putting in place the first of a series of plans to manage our transition to a low carbon economy and to meet our international and EU targets, a national mitigation plan will be submitted to Government for approval by June 2017 in accordance with the 2015 Act. The preparation of the plan is designed to be a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to tackle emissions and each Minister with responsibility for the largest emitting sectors has been requested by Government to develop sectorial mitigation measures. The primary objective of the mitigation plan, when finalised, will be to track implementation of measures already underway and identify additional actions in the longer term to reduce emissions and progress the overall transition agenda to 2050. In advance of the statutory consultation on a draft mitigation plan, which will take place in Spring 2017, I intend to publish a document shortly for an initial non-statutory public consultation. The outcomes of the consultations will inform the preparation of the final National Mitigation Plan.
Mirroring the mitigation effort, the 2015 Act also provides for the making and submission to Government of iterative national adaptation frameworks which will specify the national strategy for the application of adaptation measures in different sectors, and by local authorities, in order to reduce the vulnerability of the State to the negative effects of climate change and to exploit any beneficial opportunities that may arise. Work is progressing in relation to the first national framework, which must be submitted to Government for approval no later than 10 December 2017.
While the extent of the challenge presented by climate change, and the scale of the transformation required if Ireland is to move to a low carbon and climate resilient economy, are evident, there is a clear and long-term global and national climate change policy direction in place, supported by a well-defined national statutory framework. Work is progressing to convert this policy ambition into actions to bring about the transformation required if we are to decarbonise our economy and build resilience to the inevitable impacts of global warming.
443. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress to date in meeting his Departments targets in respect of quality and access to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38876/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated. The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
My Department is now in the formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network throughout the State Intervention Area.
The procurement process for the State Intervention aims to identify an entity or entities to build, roll out, operate and deliver high speed broadband of at least 30 Megabits per second upload and 6 Megabits per second download speeds to all premises within the intervention area. The procurement process also requires that the solution be future proofed. This is important if we are to find a solution which works for the 25 years of the contract.
The three bidders in the procurement process have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution for rural Ireland under the National Broadband plan intervention meaning that much higher broadband speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps may be achievable.
Earlier this year, before I came into office, the Department announced that it would be June 2017 before contract(s) were awarded. The bidders in the process have recently indicated that they may need more time to conclude the procurement process. The timing of each stage of the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. Bidders need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids. In addition, bidders need adequate time to get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at key stages of the process. It is also important to ensure that risks in this multi-million euro procurement are carefully managed. I do not propose to comment any further on timelines at this juncture, given that discussions are on-going in the procurement process. I can assure the Deputy, however, that the procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. The Government considers the NBP to be one of the most significant investments in rural Ireland for decades, and one which will transform society, akin to rural electrification in the last century.
During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to roll out a network of the scale envisaged under the State Intervention. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In a further positive initiative, last July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. I expect to publish the report of the Taskforce in the coming weeks.
I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed in early 2017 to allocate spectrum in the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the removal of barriers to assist in commercial deployment of telecommunications networks.
These initiatives should assist in significantly improving the quality of broadband and mobile phone services across Ireland, putting Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.
