Written Answers Nos. 6-25
6. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grant available to retrofit and upgrade a home; if a grant was availed of before regarding one aspect of the insulation, where this leaves an applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27407/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manage a number of residential and community energy upgrade grant support schemes on behalf of my Department.
SEAI grant supports of up a maximum of €37,550 are available to homeowners undertaking energy efficiency upgrade works on their property, though actual amounts will vary depending on the SEAI scheme pathway and the specific energy efficiency upgrade measures selected by homeowners.
The grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer. The grant schemes provided by SEAI are reviewed on a regular basis.
Under the SEAI home energy upgrade schemes, the general principle applies whereby grant funding can only be issued once per measure per property. However, under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, a homeowner undertaking a deep retrofit on their dwelling may be permitted to avail of a second grant for a measure where it is recommended in the One Stop Shop Home Energy Assessment to achieve the B2 and heat pump target. In these cases, and where a second wall insulation is required to meet the heat pump requirement, then grant support for a second measure is permitted as follows:
• Internal Wall Insulation is eligible where cavity has previously been funded.
• External wall insulation is eligible where either cavity or internal wall insulation has been funded.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries relating to operational matters of the SEAI can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie
7. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the National Broadband Service will be brought to Ticknevin, Carbery, County Kildare, as residents have been told that broadband internet cannot be provided by a company (details supplied) or any other provider, as the unavailability of reliable internet is preventing residents from engaging in business and commercial ventures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27563/24]
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.
The area in question is predominantly in the BLUE area on the broadband map. The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering, or have plans to deliver, high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
According to records available to this Department, fibre broadband is already available to the BLUE areas in Ticknevin, Carbery, County Kildare.
A small number of premises in the area are located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
The survey for this area is now complete. In Q4 2024, NBI will review the anticipated connection timeframe, which is currently January 2026 to December 2026 to a more specific connection window.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to these premises can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at: nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
8. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to reduce the wait time for free energy upgrades (warmer homes scheme); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27603/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 over €25,800 in 2024.
These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions. However, it is important to acknowledge that deeper retrofits take longer to complete.
This improvement in the upgrades provided under the scheme in tandem with increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit are driving significantly increased levels of demand. Approximately 24,000 applications from homeowners were received in 2022 and 2023 combined.
For 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.
A range of measures introduced by my Department and SEAI contributed to the reduction in waiting times, including:
• significantly increased budgets and budget certainty with a record spend of €158 million in 2023 and an allocation of almost €210 million in place for 2024;
• increased staffing resources in SEAI; and
• actions to address supply chain challenges.
SEAI also established a new contractor panel in September 2023, which increased the number of contractors operating under the scheme.
This scheme is a top priority for me and the Government. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
9. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific measures his Department is taking to use surplus renewable energy that is current being wasted; if he plans to introduce measures to use this surplus energy to support households in fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27604/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra10. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific measures taken since 2020 by the SEAI, CRU, ESB, EirGrid, ESB Networks and by his own Department to use surplus renewable energy to help tackle fuel poverty, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27606/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The issue raised by the Deputy is the "dispatch-down" of renewable energy, which refers to the amount of renewable energy that is available but cannot be used by the electricity system. This can be due to broad power system limitations, known as curtailments, local network limitations, known as constraints, or energy supply exceeding consumer demand. Dispatch-down is unfortunate and EirGrid are addressing the grid limitations that cause it through various measures under its “Shaping Our Electricity Future” roadmap.
Ireland’s Climate Action Plans recognise the need for a range of cross-government/agency measures to enable the transformation of the electricity sector, such that it can become more adaptable and flexible, in response to the ever-increasing volume of distributed renewable energy sources on the grid. This will involve an increase in demand-side response measures and greater interconnection, as well as an ever-greater role for electricity storage systems, to complement our rapidly increasing wind and solar infrastructure.
Ireland’s citizens and communities can also play a role in this transition, by flexibly managing energy assets in response to the level of renewable energy available. Consequently, Ireland’s Energy Security Package commits Government to improving the ways that homes and businesses can manage their energy use by providing an evidence-based programme of communications and supporting ‘active consumers’ through smart metering and smart energy services.
My Department is also working to revise the Energy Poverty Action Plan, in light of recommendations made through a recent consultation which ran from March to April, and feedback received at the Energy Poverty Stakeholder forum held on 24th June. This revised Plan will set out a wide range of clear, timebound actions aimed at tackling energy poverty with appropriate governance and evaluation and will consider the use of smart technologies to benefit energy poor households. It is intended that the Plan will build on and continue the policies and actions that have been driven to date by the existing Plan, and where appropriate, informed by stakeholder input, supplement these measures.
11. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 11 June 2024, if he can clarify that the reply he gave was in relation to the year 2024, as this was the year the question was referring to; to confirm that in addition to the five nations mentioned, that personnel from the United States were also present and whether they had “participant” or “observer” status; the rank and role of the officers in attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the original reply to the previous question was in relation to the year 2024 and in that regard, the Irish element of the Combined Joint Exercise (CJEX) 2024 was conducted in the University of Galway from the 13th to 22nd May 2024.
The Military Authorities have confirmed that two American officers were involved. They were attending as students from the Belgian and Dutch Command and Staff Courses and are included in the previous figures for international personnel attending the CJEX in Ireland. Both officers were of the rank of Major which is Commandant equivalent in Irish Army Ranks.
12. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided to Cork City Council for the resurfacing and repaving of the John F. Connolly road. [27404/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme, the Department provides funding for road rehabilitation works under the Restoration Improvement Grant and each Council is required to submit a 3-year programme of works. Cork City Council included road pavement works on the John F Connolly road in its 2023 Restoration Improvement Grant work programme with €286k being expended on the works in 2023 and as I understand these works have been completed.
13. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider making changes to payment methods for those issued with speeding fines in Ireland but who live in a foreign country, including provision of an online payment option; if he will reassess the 56-day limit to allow for postage and potential errors on forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27429/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrent payment options for Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) offences include payment by telephone, in person at a post office or by post. Online payment is available for FCNs that do not have penalty points, at www.anpost.com/Government-Services/Garda-Fines.
I understand that the Department of Justice is considering recommendations for FCN payment methods, including online options, as part of work to reduce the number of traffic offences going to court. My Department will introduce any regulatory amendments required in the implementation of such changes.
14. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his plans in relation to catering services on Iarnród Éireann train services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27309/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra15. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to reinstate catering services on the Tralee to Dublin train service. [27310/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to catering services on Iarnród Éireann train services is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
16. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will engage with the Department of Social Protection with regard to the extension of the free travel scheme for car passengers to include the cost of a car on the Passage East Ferry linking Passage East, County Waterford and Ballyhack, County Wexford, given that the ferry is a more sustainable link for elderly persons accessing University Hospital Waterford without having to navigate through the highly congested Waterford city, minimising traffic volume and promoting road safety by reducing the number of road users on heavy traffic routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27374/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy was informed by the Minister for Social Protection on 18 June, the car ferry, to which the Deputy refers, recently commenced accepting Free Travel for pedestrian passengers, effective from 1st June 2024.
Travel by private car, including the cost of a car on a ferry crossing, is not covered under the Free Travel scheme.
It is not my intention to advocate for free travel for cars.
For anyone on a low income experiencing difficulty in paying, they can seek an additional needs payment to help with an expense that they cannot pay from their weekly income such as for recurring travel costs to hospital for appointments, from their local Community Welfare Officer (CWO).
The CWO will look at the individuals’ circumstances and decide if they qualify for the payment.
There are also alternative options for free travel on public transport by bus to and from the ferry on both sides for pedestrians from Wexford to Waterford Hospital.
17. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his proposals to expand Local Link services in County Monaghan; if the village of Smithborough will be added to the network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27377/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in county Monaghan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
18. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the communication he has had on a project in County Kildare (details supplied); the number of meetings he has attended in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27384/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
An application for funding has been received by my Department from Kildare County Council in relation to the proposed second bridge in Newbridge and Southern Outer Relief Road. This is currently being reviewed by the Department.
19. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the new train fares for the Dublin commuting zone to be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
20. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a project will commence in County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27386/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in County Kildare, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
21. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of people currently awaiting a driving test in each of the Cork centres; and the average wait time in each, in tabular form. [27397/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested relating to Driving Test centres in Cork is held by that organisation. I have therefore referred those specific questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.The Road Safety Authority has recently started to publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre.
22. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Mallow northern relief road. [27423/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €300,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road project in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
23. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a fee waiver of the driver theory test for those on the disability allowance (details supplied) [27441/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with its obligations under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, my Department has commissioned an independent external review of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Within its terms of reference, among other things, the Review will make recommendations about the appropriate future funding model for the RSA, including the fee-setting process. Pending the recommendations of this review, there are currently no proposals in relation to fee changes under discussion between my officials and the RSA. I intend to bring an update on the Review to Government for information before the summer recess.
In relation to the driver theory test more generally, including special accommodations, the RSA has statutory responsibility for the Driver Testing Service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. As such, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for further direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
24. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to provide an itemised breakdown of the cost of operating a driver theory test. [27442/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, which includes the operation of the theory test. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
25. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the total amount paid by all drivers who drove through each toll road within the State in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27481/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
