Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Written Answers Nos. 99-121

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (99)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how frequently the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the proposed floating storage and regasification unit will need to be replenished, if approved, given the inevitable boil-off of LNG over time; where this gas will be sourced; what measures will be taken to minimise the frequency of this occurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23620/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Government approved and published the 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report last November which concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems. With regard to gas, the report determines that as a transitional measure, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.

Natural evaporation, known as boil-off, is unavoidable when natural gas is liquified, and the generated boil-off gas (BOG) must be removed to preserve the tanks’ pressure. Rather than flare or release the BOG into the atmosphere, normal practice is to utilise the gas by flowing it into the gas network. Due to boil-off of stock levels, the requirement to restock an FSRU will be dependent on the overall usage of the gas, and storage capacity of the infrastructure.

Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve based on specific criteria determined by my Department. In the event that an FSRU is deemed the most appropriate method to deliver the strategic gas emergency reserve, the effective management of Boil Off Gas will be a key consideration with both the source and frequency of replenishment designed to ensure safety, operational efficiency and adherence to Climate commitments and the Fracked Gas Policy. 

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (100)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

100. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated length of time a proposed temporary floating storage and regasification unit, if approved, would be in operation in Ireland until a carbon neutral energy system is in place and we are no longer reliant on gas for our energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23621/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of climate objectives.

The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:

• a proposal which can be implemented quickly

• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market

• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and

• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21

Gas will continue to play a key role to support the secure transition to an energy system based on electrification and greatly increased renewables penetration. Reducing gas demand and increasing renewable gas production will reduce the impact of Ireland’s risk but the risks themselves will remain for at least a decade. The impact of any significant unplanned reduction in the country’s gas supplies would have severe economic and social impacts.

A policy will be developed to support 'end of life' criteria for the strategic gas emergency reserve to ensure that a regular review of the energy security risk is conducted and that once the risk is mitigated by alternative energy sources the strategic gas emergency reserve will no longer be required. 

Gas demand is expected to drop significantly through the course of the decade from 2030 and production of renewable gases are set to increase as well as the introduction of renewable gas compatible storage. This will enable security of supply benefits to be delivered without committing to a long-term dependence on natural gas while also reducing the risk of stranded assets.

A State-led approach is consistent with the Climate Act and broader Government climate and energy policy avoiding the risk of fossil fuel lock-in or stranded fossil fuel assets.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (101, 103)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

101. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated timeline for the proposed acquisition of a floating storage and regasification unit and construction of ancillary grid-connection facilities, if approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23640/24]

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

103. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the relative risks pertaining to the probability of gas supply disruption from the UK, given the presence of two separate Moffat pipelines, outweigh the climate risks, at national and international level, associated with the inevitable emissions from a proposed new floating storage and regasification unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23642/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 103 together.

In order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, we plan to introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs. 

My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of timeline for construction and climate objectives, among other factors.

The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:

• a proposal which can be implemented quickly

• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market

• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and

• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21

All opportunities to accelerate the potential implementation of this project will be explored on the basis of its strategic importance.

I will return to Government for a final decision on this matter later this year. 

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (102)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

102. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated budget required for the proposed acquisition of a floating storage and regasification unit and the construction of ancillary grid-connection facilities, if approved; the estimated annual budget to be allocated for the protection of a floating storage and regasification unit from potential attack during both the construction phase and following project completion; if he will outline the comparative estimated budget to develop infrastructure for the geological storage of natural gas and associated defence costs during construction and following project completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23641/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

In order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs. 

My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of projected costs.

The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:

• a proposal which can be implemented quickly

• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market

• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and

• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21

All opportunities to accelerate the potential implementation of this project will be explored on the basis of its strategic importance.

With regard to geological gas storage - as part of the Department’s Review of the Security of Energy Supply of Ireland’s Electricity and Gas Systems, Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA) completed a technical analysis which included a detailed assessment of a short list of mitigation options for gas security of supply, including strategic gas storage and strategic floating storage and regasification unit (FRSU). The technical assessment of each option focused on:  the impacts on physical security of supply in a shock event;  the impacts on gas and electricity prices both in a shock and resulting from operation in the market in general; and  the impacts on carbon emissions both in a shock event and resulting from operation in the market in general.

Their analysis determined that a strategic FSRU is the only short-listed option that can fully mitigate all security of supply impacts in the tested scenarios. The strategic gas storage option, based on the Southwest Kinsale Reservoir which operated as a seasonal gas storage facility between 2006 and 2017, can only partially mitigate unserved demand.  It is also noted that the field could not be replenished in case supplies from the UK were not available over a prolonged period.

The CEPA analysis was a key input to the 'Energy Security In Ireland to 2030' report and its Annexes, which concluded the long-term approach to securing Ireland’s gas supplies will include:  the development of long-term gas storage solutions which can store renewable gas, in particular hydrogen; and on a transitional basis, the creation of a strategic gas emergency reserve.

Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 101.

Building Energy Rating

Ceisteanna (104)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

104. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason works carried out to a home under the free energy upgrades warmer home scheme (details supplied) did not improve the BER rating; the objective of these works carried out on homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23673/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to households at risk of energy poverty.

There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded.

Individual applications to SEAI Schemes are an operational matter for SEAI and as the Minister I have no role in such matters.

However, with regard to the specific individual case you have raised, following a request from my officials to SEAI regarding the particulars of the case, SEAI has advised a package of works was provided in line with the published Scheme Terms & Conditions.

Should the homeowner have any further queries in relation to their application, SEAI can be contacted directly at email [e-mail] or by phone at 01-8082004.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (105)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

105. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households that were included in the NBP intervention areas, in error (details supplied); what engagement they have had with households, NBI and commercial providers on this issue; and the steps being taken to resolve it. [23708/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is being delivered through investment by commercial enterprises coupled with intervention by the State in those parts of the country where private companies have communicated, they have no plans to invest.

The State-led intervention was approved by the European Commission through its formal State aid decision in November 2019.

The Intervention Area (IA) identified as the Amber area on the Department’s NBP Map was identified by two mechanisms.

Firstly, the scope of the Intervention Area  was identified through an extensive mapping exercise conducted by the Department since 2013 to identify areas where market failure for broadband exists.

Secondly, the scope of the IA, premises and area, was finalised following the 2019 Mapping Consultation which sought plans from commercial operators over the 7-year period of the planned State-led deployment.

The output of the 2019 Mapping Consultation - following the submissions from commercial operators  - identified locations i.e. the IA, where these operators did not have existing or planned high speed broadband availability.

All premises within the Intervention Area are justified, however the IA is dynamic and continues to grow through updates made to GeoDirectory and updated on the NBP Map each quarter.

The State Intervention Area includes:

• 564,000 premises

• 1.1 million people

• Over 65,000 farms

• 44,000 non-farm businesses

• 679 schools

There is a contractual requirement under the Project Agreement, for all premises that are located within the IA, to be delivered by NBI.

There are however steps taken within the process of updates made to the IA to ensure high density populations, for example new estates planned and built adjoining to the IA, that are covered or likely to be covered by commercial operators, are removed from scope.

A robust governance structure has been established within the Department to monitor contract compliance across technical, governance, compliance, financial, commercial, and project implementation work streams and includes a NBP Senior Management Team.

To protect the State investment and ensure that the NBP milestones and deliverables are met, the contract has been designed to include extensive protections, quality checks and reporting and monitoring obligations.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (106)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

106. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline on the roll-out of the national broadband, including a breakdown of current and capital spend. [23756/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

Ireland'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.

I am advised by NBI that, over 248,200 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 81,800 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network.

The timeline for the completion of the roll-out of the high-speed broadband network by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is 2027. NBI is confident that it will deliver the full programme within the originally scheduled seven year timeline, with a view to completing the main build activities by 2026.

The maximum State cost for the National Broadband Plan (NBP) programme is €2.7 billion over 25 years, including €480 million for contingency costs.

€748 million has been paid to National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to date under the NBP Contract. The total cost of the NBP programme since 2020, when the network roll-out commenced, is €789.9 million. This figure largely comprises the first two hundred and thirty one payments to NBI amounting to €748 million. The cost of €789.9 million also includes fees for external advisors, who assist the Department in governing and monitoring the contract obligations of NBI. All NBP costs are capital costs and there are no current costs.

Cybersecurity Policy

Ceisteanna (107)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

107. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a timeline on improvement works to cybersecurity infrastructure, including a breakdown of current and capital spend. [23757/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 is a whole-of-Government strategy to address the growing threat of cyber security incidents, to ensure Ireland can benefit fully from the digital transformation.

The Mid Term Review (MTR) was published on the 28th of June 2023 and sets out 18 new strategic actions to be implemented within the lifetime of the strategy. Key initiatives from the MTR include Government commitment to continue investment in building the capacity of our National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) particularly in its ability to monitor and respond to cyber security incidents and developing threats in the State such as Ransomware.

Both the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 and the Mid-Term Review can be viewed on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/8994a-national-cyber-security-strategy/

The non-pay budget allocation for the NCSC has increased to €10.7M in 2024, from €5.1M in 2022, to deliver on the measures outlined under the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024. My Department cannot provide or calculate the expenditure resulting from measures taken by other Government Departments and Public Sector Bodies to improve their Cyber Security.

Every organisation is responsible for their own IT infrastructure, and therefore are responsible for risk mitigation as it relates to their own systems and processes. 

Tobacco Control Measures

Ceisteanna (108, 109, 110)

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

108. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timetable for publication and consideration of draft legislation to ban disposable vapes; if primary or secondary legislation is planned; and if it is intended to hold public pre-legislative scrutiny with respect to the draft legislation. [23788/24]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

109. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when Ireland intends to notify the European Commission of draft legislation to ban disposable vapes in accordance with the TRIS Directive; and what form of draft legislation will be notified to the Commission. [23789/24]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

110. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared in relation to draft legislation to ban disposable vapes, noting the substantial, cumulative cost impact on industry as a result of the proposed new ban. [23790/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 to 110, inclusive, 110 together.

Disposable vaping devices can and should be recycled in a responsible manner however in practice they present several challenges to our current waste collection and recycling system.

While my Department’s public consultation on this matter, held last summer, found that there is a high level of support for a ban on disposable vapes, all options must be assessed to judge their effectiveness and proportionality before any legislative proposal is made.

Alignment with the Minister for Health’s policy direction in this area will be critical and our two departments are working together to ensure a response on a whole of Government basis.

Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 108.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 108.

Wind Energy Guidelines

Ceisteanna (111)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

111. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the guidelines for the development of offshore wind farms will be published; if a draft of the guidelines will be published for public consultation before adoption; what consultations have taken place between his Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that the two sets of guidelines dove tail with each other (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23840/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department is preparing offshore wind energy marine planning guidelines under Section 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021.  The guidelines are being worked on as a matter of urgency and are expected to be finalised by Q4 of 2024. A public consultation will be carried out. 

Development of the draft guidelines is being coordinated through a cross disciplinary working group includes representation of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Planning Division, which is responsible for the development of the planning guidelines for onshore wind energy. Where there are common factors between the two sets of guidelines, alignment is being sought.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (112)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the will report on the excellence in energy efficient design scheme; the funding available to be drawn down; how much funding was drawn down; the number of grants awarded; the average amount awarded in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23841/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) programme supports high impact investments, where an energy efficient design (EED) process is followed to design out energy consumption and develop high performance projects. The EXEED programme was relaunched in March 2023 to provide projects with increased support to a maximum of €3 million and an improved application process. Importantly, EXEED is a multi-annual scheme therefore funding committed in one financial year may not be paid out until the following year.

The EXEED programme was not open for applications in 2020 so figures beneath are from 2021 to date.

Details of the amounts drawn down by year are set out in the table below.

	Budget (M)	No. of Grants awarded - EXEED Stage 1	No. of Grants awarded - EXEED Stage 2	Total No. of grants awarded	Avg. grant amount - stage 1	Avg. grant amount - stage 2	EXEED Drawn down (M)
2021	€4.7	73	21	94	€12,291.54	€90,514.24	€3.39
2022	€3.0	47	9	56	€15,391.77	€171,065.33	€1.24
2023	€3.3	43	9	52	€11,877.80	€280,496.36	€2.01
2024 (YTD)	€4.6	13	5	18	€16,445.38	€458,328.40	€0.50 (grant payments made to date)
Total	€15.6	176	44	220	€14,001.63	€250,101.08	€7.14

The €4.6m in funding for 2024 is made up of €2.6m from the Exchequer and €2m from the Energy Efficiency National Fund.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (113)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

113. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the support scheme for renewable heat; the funding available to be drawn down; the amount of funding was drawn down; the number of grants awarded; the average amount awarded in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23842/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) was developed to financially support and stimulate the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.

The Scheme consists of two types of support mechanism: -

• An on-going operational support

• A grant to support investment in renewable heating systems using heat pumps.

Funding allocated and drawn down:

	Budget (€M)	Spend (€M)**
2020	0.9	0.1
2021	3.3	0.22
2022	2.5	0.72
2023	3.5	1.16
2024*	4.6	0.445

Operational Aid (15year tariff)	Total Offers	Live Offers (excludes those withdrawn)	Total Value of Live Offers***	Average Value
2020	33	24	9,621,840	400,910
2021	29	19	6,311,520	332,185
2022	19	14	4,345,560	310,397
2023	21	20	8,918,356	445,918
2024*	8	8	3,797,036	474,630

 

Investment Aid (Capital Grant)	Total Offers	Live Offers (excludes those withdrawn)	Total Value of Live Offers	Average Value
2020	0	0	-	-
2021	0	0	-	-
2022	2	2	496,480	248,240
2023	3	3	127,277	42,426
2024*	3	3	2,666,538	888,846

 

 * Data as recorded up to 30th April 2024

** Most spend to date has been on 15-year tariffs, so these amounts will recur for 15 years (i.e. €1m spend would be equivalent to €15m over 15 years)

*** Figures based on 15 year agreement

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (114, 115)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

114. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost to increase the capital funding for the better energy warmer homes scheme by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23867/24]

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

115. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost of achieving a B2 BER cost optimum standard in the better energy warmer homes scheme to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23868/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.

The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty.

There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded.

Last year in 2023, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €24,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. From within the Budget 2024 funding package my Department was allocated, a record allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme. An increase of 50% on this would amount to €315m total.

The Building Regulations require that when 25% or more of a building's envelope surface is renovated (such as when wall insulation is installed), the whole building's energy performance must be upgraded to the cost-optimal level. This is as far as it is technically, functionally and economically possible.

A cost-optimal study is required under the European Performance of Buildings Directive to define the energy performance required for new buildings and major renovations. The study accounts for the capital, operational, maintenance and carbon costs of various energy efficient solutions and renewable technologies. Ireland’s most recent cost-optimal study as defined the cost-optimal level for major renovations as either:

• a B2 BER; or

• an upgrade of the ceiling insulation and heating system.

Under the Warmer Homes scheme, to comply with Building Regulations, where a major renovation is taking place the whole home must be upgraded to cost-optimal level through one of the options above. The table below sets out the average costs in relation to cost-optimal and B2 or better upgrades under the scheme in 2024.

Upgrade Type	Average cost excluding VAT
Major renovation to cost-optimal, B2 or better post-works BER	€42,327
Major renovation to cost-optimal, post-works BER below B2	€38,387
Any upgrade work, B2 or better post-works BER	€29,337

Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 114.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (116)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

116. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to estimate the cost of including properties with HAP tenancies in the SEAI warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23869/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support provided by local authorities.

At the end of Q4 2023, there were 56,848 households actively in receipt of HAP support. It is not possible to estimate the cost of extending the Warmer Homes scheme to these households without information on the age, size, type and condition of the properties.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (117)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost of doubling the climate action fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23870/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Fund (CAF) does not receive an annual Voted allocation, but rather receives income from various sources. Revenues paid into the CAF are dependent on factors such as income from the NORA levy, and from flight emissions offsets. Additional income can be transferred into the CAF but must follow the requirements set out in the NORA Act.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (118)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

118. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the legislative or regulatory frameworks in place to allow Ireland to import proposed fuels for an emergency gas reserve; the provision for State aid rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23902/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

In order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs. 

The EU energy framework covers the regulation of gas markets and security of supply. A specific project once identified would need to fall within the framework’s requirements. It is noted that the significant changes to the framework are currently being prepared through the review and revision of the Gas Directive 2009/73/EC and Gas Regulation (EC) No 715/2009.

Designating the TSO as the sole owner and operator of an LNG terminal could in principle not engage the State Aid rules, if a legal monopoly is established which meets certain requirements:

• Be established in accordance with EU law 

• Not compete in any related market with other services (e.g., other gas providers)

• Avoid cross subsidisation of other functions.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (119)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

119. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the legislative or regulatory frameworks in place to allow Ireland to fulfil its commitment to ban fracked gas imports into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23903/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

In May 2021, the Government approved the ‘Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas’ which states “pending the outcome of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with”. The statement remains in place until the review of energy security has been completed in full, following consideration by Government on the optimal approach to deliver a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve. 

Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve based on specific criteria determined by my Department. The optimal approach will be determined by the Government’s continued commitment to the three policy objectives of sustainability, affordability and security.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (120)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

120. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work of his Department on how the current public interest determination used to evaluate proposed projects properly takes into consideration the impacts that LNG facilities have on the climate, communities, and national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23904/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

A strategic gas emergency reserve is required to provide resilience to the gas system to mitigate the consequences for society and our economy of a significant gas supply disruption in Ireland. Gas demand is expected to drop significantly through the course of the decade from 2030 and production of renewable gases are set to increase as well as the introduction of renewable gas compatible storage. This will enable security of supply benefits to be delivered without committing to a long-term dependence on natural gas.

As a final part of the review of Ireland’s energy security, my Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of proposed locations which meet the required site conditions.

Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 97.

• Written Answers Nos. 85-98
• Written Answers Nos. 122-142