Written Answers Nos. 120-139
120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the reason a person (details supplied) did not qualify for a home heating upgrade as part of the SEAI's warmer homer scheme despite being an eligible applicant and having a suitable household; if there is sufficient scope to appeal the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21406/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €25,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record budget allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to optimise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this critical scheme. Importantly however, individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as Minister I have no function in relation to such applications.
Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
121. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether BER assessors are more than qualified to provide the home energy assessment required for the home energy upgrade loans scheme, and that excluding domestic BER assessors that are not on the SEAI technical assessors panel is anti-competitive and restricts choice to the homeowner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21529/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo be eligible for the recently launched Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, homeowners must avail of a grant under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, Community Energy Grant Scheme or Better Energy Homes Scheme. Applicants must also utilise an SEAI registered One Stop Shop, Project Coordinator or Energy Partner to carry out home energy upgrade works.
These SEAI-approved providers will supply homeowners with a Home Energy Summary Report of the planned energy upgrade works to enable them to apply for the Loan Scheme. These approved providers offer homeowners all the services required for a complete home energy upgrade and can advise whether the planned works meet the requirements for the loan scheme, as well as advising on the grants that may be available from SEAI.
The Home Energy Assessment is not a requirement for the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. A pre and post BER is a requirement of the loan Scheme.
The Home Energy Summary Report is a one-page report setting out, inter alia, the current published BER and the proposed energy upgrade project details which a One Stop Shop, Energy Partner or Community Project Coordinator shall provide to the homeowner, together with a quotation. The Home Energy Summary Report must be submitted to participating finance providers by the homeowner as part of a loan application under the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.
Regardless of which grant route the homeowner chooses, there must be a valid, published BER certificate undertaken by a registered BER assessor, on the home before the One Stop Shop, Energy Partner or Community Project Coordinator can provide a fully completed Home Energy Summary Report to the homeowner. All applicants must therefore have a valid BER certificate on their home before they can access the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.
122. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will change the policy preventing BER assessors that do not have a background in a few select professions from joining the SEAI technical assessors panel, and instruct the SEAI to immediately invite and approve applications to the technical assessor panel from those experienced BER assessors that are ten years or longer registered with the SEAI as domestic assessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21530/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen homeowners apply for SEAI grant support to install a heat pump, a technical assessment of the property is required in most instances to ensure that dwelling is suitable for a heat pump.
This assessment is carried out by a Technical Advisor, whose role is to guide the homeowner on the suitability of the dwelling for a heat pump system, particularly from a heat loss perspective (the Heat Loss Indicator – HLI).
The Technical Advisor is required to outline the fabric improvements and air tightness options available to the homeowner to help them achieve the HLI requirement whilst outlining the pros and cons of each approach. The Technical Advisor decides with the homeowner on the best option to achieve the HLI requirement and details the works required.
The SEAI advises my officials that this requires a level of building physics and technical knowledge that is not covered in BER assessor training. Hence additional proof of competence is required. This can be demonstrated with a level 7 degree in a building related disciple (e.g., architecture, building services, engineering, etc) or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIBSE, EI, RAIA, etc).
123. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether consideration has been given to the establishment of a dumping taskforce in Cork city. [21616/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with the local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to illegal dumping taking account of local circumstances and priorities. It is therefore a matter for Cork City Council to decide on whether or not they wish to establish a taskforce to deal with illegal dumping issues in the city.It should be noted that my Department provides significant support to the local authority sector in their efforts to tackle illegal dumping. Almost €18m has been provided to the sector under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was first introduced in 2017 to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. A further €3m has been allocated in support of the Initiative in 2024. A project such as that suggested by the Deputy may be eligible for support under the 2024 ADI.My Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme, with the intention of maintaining a visible presence of waste enforcement personnel on the ground across the State. €7.7m was provided to local authorities under the scheme in 2023 and a similar amount has been allocated for 2024. A further €3.78m has been allocated in 2024 to support the expansion of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities and the ongoing development of the "Local Authority Waste Programme Coordination Office in a Circular Economy". The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act also advanced several legislative provisions to further support local authorities in their efforts to tackle illegal dumping, including providing for the GDPR-compliant use of a range of technologies, such as CCTV for waste enforcement purposes.
124. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the National Broadband Plan in Cork. [21617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting circa 4,000 homes each month. NBI expect to have passed in excess of 300,000 premises by the end of 2024 with circa 120,000 premises passed each year thereafter until the end of deployment at which point over 560,000 will be passed.
I am advised by NBI that, over 243,000 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 80,200 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Cork over 26,000 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 9,280 premises now connected.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
125. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the role he has in ensuring with ComReg that phone signal is delivered across the State and addressing black spots that continue impact on connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21621/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, established by my Department, is a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide to alleviate mobile and fixed connectivity barriers. The current work programme focuses on Planning and Licencing, Improving Information and Access to Assets and Infrastructure, and Improving Consumer Information, Advice and Experience.
The roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002.
ComReg is continually updating and enhancing its online national outdoor mobile coverage map (available at: Service Coverage - Commission for Communications Regulation (comreg.ie), to provide clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G coverage. This information can assist customers when considering moving to or visiting a particular area and in highlighting blackspots that need to be addressed.
126. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the role he has in ensuring with Eirgrid that grid infrastructure investment is sufficient to support a green transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not myself as Minister.
The CRU is responsible for, inter alia, the economic regulation of electricity system operators ESB Networks, distribution, and Eirgrid, transmission. The cost of building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system is recovered by system operators through charges on customers, all of which is overseen and agreed with the CRU. System operator spending is agreed with the CRU in five-year cycles, referred to as Price Reviews.
Price Review 5, which spans the period 2021-2025, saw the CRU sanction a €4 billion investment in the electricity grid, including €1.2 billion in the Transmission System. Work has commenced on Price Review 6 which will see the CRU sanction the investment in the grid to 2030. While a decision is not expected until Q3 2025, the CRU have recently published their strategy paper to inform and seek comments on their approach to deciding the funding for the period and the Deputy may wish to engage with this process which is open until 21st May.
As Minister I do not have a role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground and this is in line with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure. Notwithstanding this, Government works in conjunction with the CRU, Eirgrid and ESBN towards improving Ireland’s electricity infrastructure in line with Government policies and Climate Action Plans. In 2023 and in accordance with Action EL/23/5 of CAP 23, Eirgrid published an update to Shaping our Electricity Future, their roadmap for the transmission grid out to 2030 in order to deliver on the renewable energy targets.
127. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications received under the warmer homes scheme since its announcement; the number of homes completed in the country; the number of applications received in County Meath, by year, since 2020, in tabular form; the number of homes that have been completed under the scheme in Meath, by year, since 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21627/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided to low income households under this important scheme.
The scheme has been in place in different formats since 2000. Since then, over 150,000 homes have received upgrades under the scheme. Records in relation to total application numbers since 2006 show that over 195,000 applications have been made. Information in relation to application numbers prior to 2006 is not readily available. Since 2020 there have been 35,244 applications, and 16,336 homes have been upgraded. This does not include additional applications and upgrades carried out under the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme.
Last year saw a record spend of €158 million under the Scheme and there is an increased allocation of almost €210 million in place for 2024, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The tables below set out the breakdown of the number of applications received and the number of upgrades carried out in County Meath per year since 2020.
Number of applications received in County Meath 2020 – to date 2024
|
WHS |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
111 |
117 |
382 |
597 |
224 |
1,431 |
Number of upgrades completed in County Meath 2020 – to date 2024
|
WHS |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
53 |
95 |
183 |
277 |
65 |
673 |
128. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications waiting to be approved under the warmer homes scheme; the current average wait time for applications; the number of approvals, per month, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; the number of approvals, per year, since 2020, in tabular form; the average cost, per grant, per year, since 2020, in tabular form; the efforts that are being made to reduce the wait times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21628/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
Last year the SEAI launched a new online application service in partnership with the Department of Social Protection (DSP). This online portal provides immediate confirmation of eligibility for homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria. Homeowners can also still apply through a paper-based application. A home assessment takes place once the homeowner is deemed eligible to determine whether the home is a suitable home. The average waiting time for this assessment is 8-10 months. The entire process, along with up to date average waiting times for each stage of the scheme, are published on the SEAI’s website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/
Currently there are 20,201 homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that: are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor; and that are awaiting the initial survey of their home.
For the homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 26 months for homes completed in 2022. The significant reductions in the average waiting time have been achieved through, inter alia, the following actions taken to reduce the timeline to completion and increase output under the scheme:
• Record funding has been allocated;
• SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• SEAI has worked to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management;
• Actions were taken to address ongoing supply chain and inflationary pressures; and
• A new €700 million contractor panel has been put in place for the next 4 years, which has increased contractor capacity to 36.
The SEAI advises that the cost of a retrofit depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended. In recent years, the Warmer Homes Scheme has delivered a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have seen an almost tenfold increase from €2,600 in 2015 to just under €25,000 in 2023.
The data requested in tabular format can be found in the tables set out below. Where the information is not readily available I have directed SEAI to reply to the Deputy with the data requested, in so far as it is available, as soon as possible.
Table 1. No. of Applications per month Warmer Homes Scheme 2020 to 2024
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
|
2020 |
245 |
372 |
323 |
272 |
262 |
220 |
213 |
58 |
227 |
208 |
235 |
151 |
|
2021 |
140 |
305 |
305 |
180 |
210 |
261 |
216 |
154 |
137 |
262 |
291 |
413 |
|
2022 |
286 |
105 |
474 |
1523 |
1688 |
926 |
549 |
682 |
567 |
1421 |
1018 |
700 |
|
2023 |
924 |
1383 |
2100 |
1246 |
1506 |
1114 |
895 |
911 |
712 |
1222 |
883 |
1087 |
|
2024 |
1677 |
1435 |
1262 |
1288 |
Note: This table does not include applications made under the Warmth and Wellbeing scheme.
Table 2. Number of applications per year under the Warmer Homes scheme 2020 - 2024
|
WHS |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
2,786 |
2,874 |
9,939 |
13,983 |
5,662 |
41,522 |
Note 1: This table does not include applications made under the Warmth and wellbeing scheme.
Note 2: The number of applications which were ultimately deemed ‘suitable homes’ following an initial assessment of the home is not routinely supplied by SEAI to my Department. I have directed SEAI to reply directly to the Deputy with the data requested, in so far as it is available.
Table 3. Average cost per year 2020 to 2024
|
WHSAverage Cost |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
€15,350 |
€17,100 |
€21,000 |
€24,006 |
€24,845 |
129. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any State, semi-State or commercial semi-State agency under the aegis of their Department is aware of any cases of bogus self-employment in any bodies under their remit from 2020 to 1 May 2024; if they will outline if there are currently any cases from such agencies or bodies currently before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination; if there are any SCOPE findings and recommendations relating to any agencies or bodies under their remit where SCOPE has found in favour of the worker, and where they recommended the reclassification of the workers’ employment status to that of direct employee between 2020 and 1 May 2024; if they will provide information on the numbers involved and the names of the individual agencies and bodies in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21690/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
130. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason homes built before 2021 are eligible to apply for a rooftop solar panel grant but not homes constructed since that date; his plans to review same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21795/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for solar PV installations. Micro-generation has an important role in creating opportunities for homes, schools, community groups and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity. Grants are currently available to households to a maximum value of €2,100.
The eligibility criteria for the Domestic Solar PV scheme are based on the MSS high level design approved by Government in December 2021, with the Final scheme Design published in 2022. Grants are administered by the SEAI and are available to houses built and occupied prior to 2021. The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the minimum BER C3 requirement was removed and the eligibility of the homes was changed from those built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021.
Houses built and occupied from 2021 enjoy greater levels of energy efficiency as they must comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. There are options to meet this requirement under the standard by including heat pumps and/or solar PV during construction, which may reduce installation costs.
Targeting the grant scheme at older homes, maximizes emissions reductions and delivers energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible, whilst also making the most efficient use of limited exchequer funding for the scheme. There are no plans to change the building year requirement at this stage but grant eligibility will be kept under review, and changes to the scheme will be made when necessary.
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he can take to speed up the provision of broadband services through the medium of fibre-optics throughout County Kildare, with particular reference to known blackspots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21831/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting circa 4,000 homes each month. NBI expect to have passed in excess of 300,000 premises by the end of 2024 with circa 120,000 premises passed each year thereafter until the end of deployment.
I am advised by NBI that, over 243,000 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 80,200 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Kildare over 5,900 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network which represents 40% of the premises within the Intervention area. At the end of April 2024, 1,996 premises are now connected in Kildare which represents a take up rate of 33%.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
My Department is aware through engagement with various stakeholders, including commercial operators and ComReg, of the possibility that it may not be viable for commercial operators to reach all premises in urban areas to deliver on EU and National Targets. These are areas currently not within the scope of the National Broadband Plan.
An extensive mapping exercise will be required taking account of commercial deployments which are currently being rolled out, to identify the scale of this potential problem including identifying individual Eircode's impacted. My Department are currently engaged with ComReg on this exercise.
If it emerges that the market cannot deliver on EU and National Connectivity Targets, the Department will consider appropriate public policy tools required to ensure those targets are achieved.
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which each sector in the economy can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction over the next five years without negatively impacting on economic output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21832/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo ensure that Ireland's future economic development is on a sustainable footing, we have taken a number of ambitious measures, including the adoption of the 2021 Climate Act, with provides for economy-wide carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings.
The ceilings and budgets underpin Ireland’s ambitious commitments to tackle climate breakdown, while also increasing our energy security, and putting us in a strong position to introduce climate-neutral agriculture and business models. This provides us with excellent opportunities to encourage and incentivise innovation, while also developing new job opportunities in the green economy.
The latest Environment Protection Agency (EPA) report shows that in 2022 Ireland’s emissions fell by 1.9% compared to 2021. This is to be welcomed. During the same period Ireland's economy performed strongly, with employment growing by 2.7% to record levels, with real GNI growth of 6.7%. This fall in overall emissions at a time of sustained economic growth demonstrates how Ireland can reverse the trajectory of its emissions while also continuing to support job creation, economic growth and socio-economic development.
The EPA’s emissions projections show that under their ‘With Additional Measures’ scenario, Ireland will only reduce its emissions by 29% by 2030, falling short of our legally-binding obligations. However, the EPA acknowledges that if all of the unmodeled policies and measures in CAP23 and the, as yet, unallocated emissions savings are included, the reduction in emissions could equate to 42%.
The sectoral emissions ceilings, which cover all sectors of the economy, mandate the following emissions reductions by the end of the decade:
• Electricity: 75% reduction from 10 MtCO2eq. in 2018 to less than 3 MtCO2eq.
• Transport: 50% reduction from 12 MtCO2eq. in 2018 to 6 MtCO2eq.
• Residential Buildings: 40% reduction from 7 MtCO2eq. to around 4 MtCO2eq.
• Commercial and Public Buildings: 45% reduction from 2 MtCO2eq. to just over 1 MtCO2eq.
• Industry: 35% reduction from 7 MtCO2eq. to about 4 MtCO2eq.
• Agriculture: 25% reduction from 23 MtCO2eq. to 17.25 MtCO2eq.
It should be noted that climate change poses a fundamental threat to Ireland and its people. By building on existing work and cutting the link between emissions and economic activity, we can meet our climate targets and make Ireland a leading country for green jobs, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
The transition to a carbon-neutral economy will provide huge opportunities to foster innovation, create new jobs and grow businesses in areas like offshore wind, cutting-edge sustainable agriculture, and low carbon construction. By investing in our future now, we can ensure that we as a country make the most of these opportunities and avoid the consequences of not taking action.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department has examined the fullest possible extent to which all measures to offset the impact of meeting such targets on industry, sector by sector, with particular reference to the need to avoid permanent damage to the economy while at the same time meeting carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21833/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFailure to meet our carbon reduction targets will cause permanent damage to Ireland's economy, delaying a timely transition to a fossil-free economic model, with the associated loss of competitiveness and attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment, as well as increased future climate mitigation and adaptation costs.
We will miss out on the economic growth and job creation opportunities of the new green economy, which we are well placed to harness such as through development of our vast renewable energy resources, including offshore wind, that will provide a firm economic foundation of abundant, clean and secure energy. The energy transition will also benefit rural communities through reduced energy costs, dispersed electricity generation, and the creation of local enterprise and employment growth opportunities in areas such as building retrofits and nature-based solutions as evidenced in the Midlands.
I am also very aware that enterprises face varying challenges in decarbonising and transitioning to climate-neutrality, including upfront investment costs. In response the Government has sought, through successive annual Climate Action Plans which are grounded in rigorous analysis, to bring forward the optimal mix of policies, measures, regulations and actions to support these enterprises and their employees, such as:
• Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland’s support for their clients to decarbonise their operations while continuing to facilitate economic growth;
• the Green Transition Fund, which is part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and has two streams, the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund (€30 million) and the Climate Planning Fund for Business (€25 million), to support the climate transition;
• the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund which targets manufacturing companies using fossil fuels and incentivises them to adopt carbon abatement technologies in their processes;
• the Climate Planning Fund for Business which is targeted at companies of different sizes and at different stages of engagement, to support them in accelerating their awareness of carbon abatement opportunities, building decarbonisation capabilities, and putting in place sustainability plans;
• the SEAI's range of initiatives and supports to improve business energy efficiency, including the Government-funded EXEED and Support Scheme for Renewable Heat; and
• the Climate Toolkit 4 Business [www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie] is a free online tool, jointly developed by this Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which helps Irish businesses to decarbonise by providing them with tailored plans that link to the most relevant supports and advisory services from state agencies.
The Government is also committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, and the principles of just transition are an integral element of successive Climate Action Plans and wider Government policy. The €169 million EU Just Transition fund will support workers and communities impacted by the shift away from fossil fuels, including retraining and reskilling programs. It builds on the success of the National Just Transition Fund which focused on supporting the transition away from peat harvesting in the Midlands by Bord na Móna.
134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department continues to explore electricity generation from non-fossil fuels by way of wind, wave or solar; the full extent of the investment to date in each element of the sector; the degree to which he expects such investment to materialise in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21835/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which investment in wind turbines that are capable of producing electricity in the short term can be funded as a matter of urgency, with particular reference to the dependency of Ireland and Europe on imported fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21839/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 138 together.
Ireland is already a world leader in the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid, with over 6 GW of renewable generation capacity currently installed. According to the latest data, Ireland ranks second in the world for wind power as a percentage of generation in 2023, with circa 4.8 GW of wind generation connected. Solar PV is now a growing source of electricity and is rapidly transforming Ireland’s energy system by complementing wind power with over 1 GW currently connected, including over 400 MW of rooftop solar and over 600 MW of grid-scale solar.
The Government’s Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP 24) reaffirms Ireland’s ambitious targets of 9 GW of onshore wind capacity, 8 GW of solar capacity and at least 5 GW of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid by 2030 in order to meet the requirement of 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewables. This will require unseen levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland’s flagship support scheme for grid-scale renewable electricity generators. The three onshore RESS and one Offshore RESS auctions held since September 2020 have been fundamental in supporting required investment in renewable energy generation projects. The latest onshore RESS auction (RESS 4) is due to take place over the summer and the Terms and Conditions of the second Offshore RESS auction (ORESS 2.1) are also expected to be published in Q2 this year.
The stable and regular RESS auction programme as well as other routes to market including Corporate Power Purchase Agreements are critical enables of the investment needed to underpin a renewables led energy system.
The Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) was introduced by Government as a means of supporting 380 megawatts of new micro-generation capacity by 2030. In addition, the Small-Scale Generation Scheme (SRESS) supports non-domestic renewable electricity generators above 50kW. Grants are already available for renewable self-consumers in this category and the export tariff phase of SRESS, to support exporting small scale and community renewable projects, is due to be launched in the coming weeks.
135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which mobile telephone services remain good when compared with other European Union or adjoining countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21836/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers, operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg) as independent Regulator. Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by ComReg, to mobile operators who advise that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded by all operators.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January 2023 to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and includes significant coverage obligations for operators.
ComReg has also developed an online national outdoor coverage map and app to provide clear information on where operators have good coverage. The map will continue to be updated quarterly. See Service Coverage - Commission for Communications Regulation (comreg.ie) for more details.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce is a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide to alleviate mobile and fixed connectivity barriers. The current work programme focuses on Planning and Licencing, Improving Information and Access to Assets and Infrastructure, and Improving Consumer Information, Advice and Experience.
My Department worked with EU Member States to develop the EU Connectivity Toolbox, a collection of best practices which Member States can implement at national level to lower the cost of deploying very high-speed networks in order to foster better connectivity across the EU, which is being implemented via the work programme of the Taskforce. The best practices include streamlining administrative and permitting granting procedures, and improving access to State assets.
136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the provision of broadband continues to meet targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21837/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
I am advised that National Broadband Ireland (NBI) remain ahead of contractual targets having passed 205,638 premises by the end of 2023.
As of 03 May 2024, NBI reports that the number of Premises Passed is over 243,000 across all counties, and over 259,100 premises can order or pre-order service across all counties.
NBI reports that over 80,200 premises have been connected, with approximately 5,000 connection orders pending. To date, the level of connections is in line with projections. In several counties, the level of take-up has exceeded 30% only a few months after services were made available which is very positive.
Where fibre has been available from NBI since 2021 the take up has reached 40%. There are currently over 4,000 premises connecting to the NBP network and this monthly connection number is expected to be the average per month during 2024.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 4 of 2023, saw a 7.51% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to Quarter 3, 2023, and a 33.33% increase when compared to Quarter 4 of 2022. This demonstrates that the take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing greatly as the services are deployed to areas where they had previously been unavailable.
The same ComReg data also indicates that c. 40% of homes and business throughout the State are now subscribed to gigabit services through either fibre (667,771) or cable (348,251) infrastructure. In addition, the Comreg data reports at the end of Q4 2023, 75% of all premises in Ireland have access to gigabit services.
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national waste management plan continues to address the relevant issues, with particular reference to reduction, reuse and recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21838/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authorities are statutorily responsible for the preparation of waste management plans. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices published the new National Waste Management Plan on March 1st informed by, inter alia, the National Planning Framework. The Plan sets out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy and includes specific targets, policies, and actions to enable the waste and resource sector to meet the circularity challenge and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
The Plan acknowledges our success to date in achieving the various EU waste related targets but also accepts that we will face significant challenges in meeting forthcoming targets. The stated ambition of 0% total waste growth per person over the lifetime of the Plan, will, if achieved, mean that we have all taken significant steps towards achieving these targets. It will also represent an important decoupling of waste generation from economic growth.
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which electricity generation and production costs here are in line with those in other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21840/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March ACER published their 2024 Market Monitoring Report which contains data through to the end of 2023. It provides a good overview of trends.
• Link to the report: www.acer.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Publications/ACER_2024_MMR_Key_developments_electricity.pdf
• Link to the data: aegis.acer.europa.eu/chest/category/36/list
Ireland is a price taker on international energy markets; the rise in wholesale gas prices since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the strong correlation between gas and electricity prices has therefore had a direct impact on the cost of electricity here. Due to high gas storage levels, warmer than normal winter conditions and efforts to reduce natural gas demand across Europe, wholesale gas prices have fallen substantially and are currently well below the peak values of August 2022. However, wholesale gas prices are still trading significantly above their pre-pandemic levels, which ultimately reflects in the price of electricity given the large volume of gas fired generation capacity we have in Ireland.
There are several other long-standing reasons why Irish electricity prices have been higher than those of many other EU countries, including our widely-dispersed population, our historic dependence on fossil fuels, the small size of our market and our peripheral location. The Government has adopted policies that in the long-term will protect Irish consumers from volatility in wholesale energy markets, by investing in renewable energy technology, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, and deepening interconnection with European energy markets.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation and has statutory responsibility for the compliance by energy suppliers with their consumer protection obligations. The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is solely a matter for the CRU.
CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply
