Written Answers Nos. 73-104
73. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can provide figures for direct and indirect jobs potential if Ireland's targets are met in solar energy, onshore wind, offshore wind, biogas production and afforestation; the type of jobs which he envisages could be created in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35605/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe transition to a low-carbon future is not only an imperative but also a major opportunity for Ireland. By embracing innovative technologies, investing in renewable energy sources, and fostering collaboration across sectors, Ireland can pave the way toward both an environmentally and economically sustainable future.
Ireland’s current targets regarding solar energy, onshore wind, offshore wind, biogas production and afforestation are provided in the Climate Action Plan 2024 and are summarised below along with the jobs potential relevant to each.
|
National Target |
2025 |
2030 |
Jobs Potential |
|
Solar |
Up to 5 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) |
8 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) |
3,250 approximately by 2030 (Skills for Zero Carbon Report 2021, p. 83) |
|
Onshore Wind |
6 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) |
9 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) |
3,000 approximately by 2030 (Skills for Zero Carbon Report 2021, p. 83) |
|
Offshore Wind |
- |
At Least 5 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) |
19,500 by 2030 (2,800 jobs in an average year to 2030) Or 30,000 by 2030 - if the Government achieves its aims to address skill shortages and increase local content in Ireland, figure could rise to 4,200 jobs in an average year to 2030) (Powering Prosperity - Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy 2024, p.10 / Building Our Potential – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs 2024, p.4) |
|
Biogas / Biomethane |
Abatement in Agriculture – Production of up to 1 TWh of Biomethane by 2025 (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.284) Built environment – up to 0.6 TWh of heating provided by biomethane (Climate Action Plan 2024, p. 200) |
5.7TWh used in heat sector, split between residential, commercial/public services and industry (Climate Action Plan 2024, p. 39 / p.219) (5.7TWh including: Built environment – up to 1.1 TWh of heating provided by biomethane (Climate Action Plan 2024, p. 200)) |
The 5.7TWh target indicates the potential to generate up to 1,800 direct jobs and 4,400 indirect jobs across the rural economy in Ireland. (Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy 2024, p.12) |
|
Afforestation |
Afforestation rates of 8,000 hectares per annum (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.319) |
Afforestation rates of 8,000 hectares per annum (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.319) |
N/A - Figure may be available from Department of Agriculture |
74. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current wait time for the SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme first stage and the BER assessment stage, in 2024; the measures being taken to reduce the waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33830/24]
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 approximately €25,806 in 2024.
These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from free upgrades providing warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions. However, 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.
For homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 27 months for homes completed in 2022. The SEAI indicates that the average timeframe for BER assessments is 12 months, though this can vary.
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 spend of €158 million in 2023 and a record budget allocation of almost €210m in 2024 including funding from the European Regional Development Fund;
• Increased staffing resources in SEAI;
• Actions to address supply chain challenges;
• SEAI established a new contractor panel in September 2023, which increased the number of contractors operating under the scheme; and
• Homes with the lowest energy ratings (E, F, G) are now prioritised for works.
There are very high levels of demand for the scheme with approximately 30,000 applications from homeowners received since January 2022. My officials will continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme to keep waiting and delivery times to a minimum.
75. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he aware of a recent upsurge in scam calls and texts to Irish phone numbers; if the regulator has control over this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33876/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to tackling scam calls and texts across electronic communications networks and services.
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the statutorily independent regulator under the aegis of my Department, established an industry action group to address the growing menace of scam calls and texts, the Nuisance Communication Industry Forum (NCIF). This cross-industry body builds on the work of the previous Nuisance Communications Industry Taskforce (NCIT), established in February 2022.
In April of this year, informed by the submissions to its consultation in June 2023 and by the work of the NCIT, ComReg mandated six interventions. The interventions focus on restoring trust in Ireland’s telecommunications services by identifying and deploying interventions to decrease the prevalence and damaging effects of nuisance communications. These include:
Do Not Originate (DNO) list: a list of numbers that will be blocked for call origination.
Protected Numbers (PN): The blocking of numbers that have not been assigned by ComReg.
Fixed – Calling Line Identification (CLI) Call Blocking: Identifies and blocks scam calls originating from international networks, but present as an Irish landline caller.
Mobile CLI Call Blocking: Identifies and blocks scam calls originating from international networks presenting as an Irish mobile caller.
SMS Sender ID Registry: Allows businesses to register their Sender ID. Operators would then block any SMS message bearing a Sender ID from an unregistered source.
Voice-firewall: which is software that identifies and blocks scam calls from Ireland or abroad and will help protect against future more sophisticated scams.
The NCIF will assist and oversee the implementation of ComReg’s recently published Decision Instruments, mandating this package of interventions.
These interventions are at various stages of deployment and so the impact of these efforts will likely be enjoyed and recognised by the Irish consumer in a phased manner. Operators have already implemented a number of these measures to tackle nuisance communications, which have blocked around 30 million scam calls since 2023.
Further interventions are being explored and evaluated by ComReg and the Department.
ComReg intends to publish separate a consultation before the end of the year to identify any further interventions to combat scam SMS.
76. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a matter regarding pensions will be addressed (details supplied); the reason they are being decreased unfairly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33899/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the revaluation of deferred benefits (details supplied) will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34121/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the ongoing issues faced by An Post retired pensioners regarding their pensions and pensionable entitlements, particularly those protected under Section 46 of the Post and Telecommunications Act 1983; the measures he is taking to rectify these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34667/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can address the significant delays in the approval and payment of pension increases for An Post retired pensioners, which require Ministerial approval and have resulted in unacceptable delays, such as those experienced in 2022 and 2023; the measures he is taking to rectify these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will take immediate action to review and rectify the impact of the 2013 ‘pension accord’, which has resulted in reduced pensionable entitlements, reduced pension gratuities/lump sums upon retirement, and the loss of parity of pension increases with pay increases for pre-1984 employees; if he will ensure that the promised review of the ‘pension accord’, which was due in 2023, is conducted without further delay, given the substantial surplus of €0.7 billion in An Post’s pension funds at the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34670/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has now approved the agreed increase in payments for the 7,000 An Post pensioners. [34743/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 87, 99 to 101, inclusive, and 107 together.
In relation to the revaluation of deferred benefits under the An Post Superannuation Scheme, my Department provided a response to the relevant Department on 12th August 2024, following consultation with An Post.
Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes, including the ‘pension accord’, is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
The 1983 Act requires that, for civil servants who transferred to An Post on ‘vesting day’, which was 1 January 1984, An Post’s pension scheme must provide for not less favourable conditions than those to which the members of staff were entitled immediately before the vesting day.
Section 46 sets a minimum level of parity between the An Post Scheme and the scheme that applied to staff members of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs as it stood on the day before vesting day.
Section 46 does not provide that the conditions in the An Post Scheme must continue to match any subsequent improvement in pension conditions for the award of pension increases in the civil service; it does not give rise to an entitlement to pension increases other than those granted in accordance with the An Post Superannuation Scheme rules.
Prior to vesting day, any increases to pensions in payment were discretionary. They were awarded at the discretion of the Minister for Finance. The rules of the Scheme accurately reflect the pre-vesting day discretionary nature of pension increases in the public sector. The pension increase rule has remained unaltered since the commencement of the Scheme.
In accordance with the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies , An Post must seek Ministerial approval to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. As per Circular 16/2021, all such proposals require NewERA’s views, as well as a business case setting out the strategic, policy and financial rationale for the proposed increase. Circular 16/2021 states that pension approval requests should be submitted for approval well in advance of any decision to implement changes in acknowledgement of the necessary processes that must be completed and in order to ensure that pension increases are not unduly delayed. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
On 21 June 2024, An Post wrote to my Department seeking approval to a 2% increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions from 1st January 2024. Consideration of the consent request is well advanced and a report from NewERA has been received. My Department is now expediting consideration of the matter. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers.
77. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to review correspondence (details supplied); if the matter will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33948/24]
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 Question refers to a premises 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.
Commercial Fixed line operators Open Eir, Virgin Media and SIRO are delivering high-speed broadband services in the blue area/ non-intervention area of the map.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to any premises can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at Network Map - NBI. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. There is also a page where over 70 Retail Service Providers offer Broadband Services via NBI Network: nbi.ie/where-can-i-buy/
NBI provides potential customers with indicative dates, based on the best information available at any given time. However, with the complexity of building the Network alongside specific circumstances that may arise that are out of NBI's control, dates are subject to change. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Specifically in relation to this premises, it was not included in the original area survey, therefore it was necessary to initiate the various phases of the additional area survey and design alongside assigning it to a Deployment Area. This process starts once the Eircode is entered onto NBI systems, which is updated quarterly based on Geodirectory updates.
NBI have confirmed that these premises became available to order within the timeframe, June 2024 - July 2024.
78. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to list the number of recycling initiatives that have commenced since he became minister, in tabular form. [33979/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE), Ireland’s National Waste Policy for the period 2020 to 2025, sets out an overall policy and regulatory approach to support improved waste performance in Ireland.
A number of measures outlined in the WAPCE have already been successfully introduced, including the following:
• The revision of the list of material accepted in the missed dry recyclable bin to now include soft plastics.
• The introduction of incentivised waste collection charging in the commercial waste sector.
• The introduction of an initial €10 per tonne Waste Recovery Levy on municipal waste recovery operations in Ireland and on the export of municipal waste for recovery abroad.
• An increase of €10 per tonne on the existing Landfill Levy from €75 per tonne to €85 per tonne.
• The expansion of the household “brown” bin collection service to now make it mandatory as part of a waste collection service for all households.
• Continued efforts to drive behavioural change through education and awareness campaigns.
• Ensuring that waste enforcement activities are focused on maximising the proper segregation and recycling of municipal waste through making household and commercial waste a National Waste Enforcement Priority.
• The introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for certain plastic bottles and aluminium cans.
The ongoing phased delivery of the remaining WAPCE measures, in conjunction with required waste enforcement actions and education and awareness campaigns, will ensure we continue to have a major positive impact on our national municipal recycling rates.
79. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the implementation of the programme for Government commitments under the remit of his Department. [34007/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress has been made on Programme for Government commitments under the remit of my Department, including:
The Climate Action Plan 2023 includes a series of measures to support Ireland’s renewables programme, including the accelerated delivery of onshore wind, offshore wind, and solar through a competitive framework to reach 80% of electricity demand from renewable energy by 2030. The deployment of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the grid, meant that 40.7% of electricity demand in Ireland in 2023 was met by renewable sources.
The Programme for Government committed to the development of a Solar Energy Strategy for rooftop and ground-based photovoltaics to ensure that a greater share of our electricity needs is met through solar power. Solar energy is growing rapidly and transforming Ireland’s energy system, with over 400 MW of rooftop solar and circa 650 MW of grid-scale solar operating across the country Over 100,000 rooftop microgenerators have now been connected to Ireland’s electricity network.
Informed by the Government’s energy security objectives, namely ensuring energy is affordable, sustainable, and secure - the Energy Security Package was published in November 2023. It outlines a new strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050.
My Department is making progress on the climate goals noted in Programme for Government, to achieve a just transition and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050, with a 51% reduction in our overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Ireland's first three carbon budgets were approved by the Oireachtas in April 2022, laying out the maximum amounts of permissible emissions across three five-year periods to 2035. Following this, sectoral emissions ceilings for the electricity, transport, buildings, industry and agriculture sectors were set out in November 2022, in order to allocate where emissions reduction are to be targeted. Some emissions reductions remain unallocated for the second carbon budget period, and work is underway to allocate these by no later than 2025. Signalling the positive impact of climate action and decarbonisation measures across Ireland’s economy and society over the last years, our greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 6.8 per cent (4.0 Mt CO2eq) in 2023 with reductions in almost all sectors.
Ireland is aiming to be a world leader in terms of our retrofit programme and the National Retrofit Plan sets out how the Government will deliver our national retrofit targets. The Plan is designed to address barriers to retrofit across four key pillars. A budget of €8 billion to the end of the decade and annual allocations set out in the National Development Plan and National Retrofit Plan, underlines the Government’s commitment to achieving these targets. Data from the SEAI shows that between 2020 to the end-August 2024 approximately 143,000 property upgrades have been supported through residential and community energy upgrade schemes.
The capacity development of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is ongoing, and it is expected the NCSC will meet a target of 75 staff by end of 2024, up from 43 staff in 2022. My Department is preparing legislation to establish the NCSC on a statutory basis. The National Cyber Security Strategy Mid-Term Review was published in Q2 2023 and includes new measures for delivery by the end of 2024.
On the 24th July 2024 Government gave its approval to the priority drafting of the National Cyber Security Bill 2024 in line with the General Scheme. Preparation for the transposition of the NIS2 Directive by October 2024 is at an advanced stage with relevant Government bodies and agencies identified to act as National Competent Authorities, including the NCSC as the lead National Competent Authority.
In line with the Government’s Digital Connectivity Strategy published in December 2022, the rollout of gigabit broadband to all premises in the State by 2028 through commercial and State investments is on schedule and will be delivered ahead of the overall 2030 European Commission target set for member States, with consistent progress being made in delivering the National Broadband Plan. Since the beginning of the project, over 527,600 premises across all counties have designs complete.
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is a key commitment of the Programme for Government and is a fundamental building block of a circular economy. The scheme was launched in November 2022 and went live for consumers on 1st February 2024. Over 2,800 return points are currently in operation across the country and at end August 2024, over 437 million containers have been returned through the DRS scheme, totalling €75.4 million in deposits refunded to consumers.
The progress made by my Department in the implementation of Programme for Government commitments are captured in Annual Reports which are available on gov.ie.
My Department will continue to work to ensure the continued successful delivery of our commitments under the Programme for Government.
80. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to review the situation in respect of broadband quality in Drogheda town centre, considering the serious impact it is having on local business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34053/24]
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 premises in question is 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.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at: www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services
This premises and their immediate neighbours were passed by open eir fibre in mid-2023 and if they contact their Retail Service Provider (needs to be RSP of open eir) and request to be upgraded to FTTH, they should be offered fibre connectivity.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) webform, at www.secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx, and the department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
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 283,600 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 93,400 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Louth over 5,200 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 2,200 premises now connected. Within the Deployment Area of Drogheda, over 1,500 premises are available to order or pre-order fibre broadband via RSP’s.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Louth and can be monitored via www.nbi.ie/reps.
81. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being taken to alleviate and respond to concerns about battery energy storage systems and the long term safety and security of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34057/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra82. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to detail the monitoring and regulation of battery energy storage systems; who has ultimate responsibility for the safe management of these systems and if the appropriate equipment and facilities are available to deal with fires of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34058/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied that there is a robust safety framework and system of regulation in place for battery energy storage systems; if any action is being taken to address the concerns of residents living close to these projects, to provide reassurance about the safety of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on safety concerns and regulations regarding Li-Bess batteries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35352/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 to 83, inclusive, and 128 together.
The Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland was published on my departments website on Thursday the 4th of July. The Policy Framework addresses the role of grid-scale electricity storage on the grid network in the immediate and near term, outlining the present roles, technical processes, market positions and regulatory structures of electricity storage in Ireland.
Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid scale electricity storage systems, including battery electricity storage systems (BESS) in the European and Irish contexts. The chapter also provides the roles and remits of various regulatory authorities and organisations in relation to standards, planning, construction, licensing, and safety of grid scale electricity storage systems in Ireland.
It is important to note that different aspects of the safety of (battery) electricity storage systems are handled by different sets of regulations, agencies and Departments. While the policy framework delivers an overview it does not address the specifics of how each institution or Department implements their remits, this is a matter for each institution, their governing legislation and the relevant Department, not the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
For product standards, Ireland conforms to the European (EN) standards as set out by the European committee for standardisation (CEN), the European committee for electrotechnical standardisation (CENELEC) and the European telecommunication standards institute (ETSI). The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) works to ensure the adoption of European standards and to ensure suitable standards across the entire value chain of all electricity storage system technologies in Ireland. The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) is under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as too is the Health and Safety Authority.
Battery electricity storage systems are subject to the same environmental controls as any other industrial or technical activity. The planning, construction and operation of these installations is subject to EU and Irish environmental rules enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the planning authorities, either the relevant local authority or An Bord Pleanála.
Where an installation which holds an EPA licence proposes to install a battery electricity storage system, the installation should contact the EPA and may require a licence alteration or licence review. Licensable activities which also propose installation of battery electricity storage system will have the storage infrastructure assessed as part of the licence assessment and the conditions of any licence granted will apply to the licensable activity and the electricity storage infrastructure.
Battery electricity storage systems are also subject to the requirement for planning permission under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and associated regulations. The planning authorities ensure that battery electricity storage installations are planning legislation compliant. The local/planning authority plays a significant role in relation to electricity storage facility developments in its capacity as planning authority, building authority and fire authority.
The planning authorities assess individual electricity storage planning applications with recourse to all relevant documentation, including regional spatial and economic strategies and development plans, in line with the National Planning Framework. Principal assessment criteria, in addition to compliance with national, regional and local policies, will depend on the specific electricity storage project under review and the proposed location but considerations include: the most efficient use of land and infrastructure; the visual impacts of storage units as well as potential environmental / ecological and fire safety risks posed by electricity storage projects in the proposed location.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) and County Fire Officers work with planning authorities to ensure that Battery storage installations are designed and built in a way the ensures fire safety. Under Section 13 of the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, Fire Authorities may advise a planning authority in relation applications for planning permission for development and permission for the retention of structures, under Section 34 (which relates to permission for development and for the retention of structures) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Engagement with regard to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) as well as matters for Local (planning) authorities and An Bord Pleanála should in the first instance be addressed to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) established by the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, has regarding licensing, charging and market incentives for electricity undertakings, commenced a review of the regulatory treatment of electricity storage systems. The CRU is responsible inter alia, for the licensing of electricity storage, the regulation of electricity storage in the electricity market, electricity storage grid connections, including Hybrid co-location of electricity storage assets with renewable generation assets. Under Section 14(1)(n) (as amended by the Renewable Energy Regulation S.I. 20/2022) CRU are now authorised to license electricity storage systems. Further, service providers of electricity storage systems (in their capacity as generators) are also required to apply for an Authorisation to Construct (under Section 16).
Public confidence in our electricity grid system and the electricity storage systems which serve the grid infrastructure are paramount to this Government. To that end there is ongoing engagement between Government departments and relevant stakeholders on the implementation of any new regulation relevant to the safety of (battery) electricity storage systems.
84. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if new electricity storage technologies are being considered as an alternative to lithium battery systems; if the potential for new technologies which may have less safety concerns will be given priority for future projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34060/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government intentionally follows a ‘Technology neutral’ approach to electricity storage systems. This means that this Government neither favours nor discourages one technology over another.
The Government believes that in order to achieve Ireland’s electricity transition to renewable energy, electricity storage systems will be required to provide services of differing speeds, durations, emission limits etc. This Government also recognises that electricity storage systems have many types and varied roles. While the types of electricity storage technologies available and their individual uses is a broad area, it is clear that at present no one technology is successful in all roles.
It is believed that a balanced portfolio of technologies, including storage technologies of various durations, will be required to support the transformation of the electricity system as the level of renewable penetration increases, and rather than limiting any future procurement processes to specific electricity storage technology types, the Government promotes the incorporation of electricity storage technology, through technology neutral market products, depending on their capability to meet the requirements and service characteristics of the System Operators and the regulatory requirements of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
In this way, the Government supports the potential for industry to develop a portfolio of electricity storage technologies capable of being incorporated into the grid system, based on system needs and the capacity to meet established minimal grid requirements, as well as technical standard thresholds, emission targets and lower costs to the bill payer.
85. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what Ireland’s responsibilities are concerning noise pollution, specifically motorway noise pollution, and more specifically the M50 residential corridor; how our laws compare to EU and UK best practice; and whether he plans significant noise amelioration measures along busy residential motorway corridors. [34103/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for national policy on environmental noise. The European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018 (which transpose Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise, as amended by Directive (EU) 2015/996) requires Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and local authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads to identify and prioritise hotspots which will require further assessment and may require mitigation measures to be put in place. Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used by each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans as required by the Environmental Noise Regulations with supervisory oversight from the Environmental Protection Agency and the noise-mapping body for the noise-map involved.
The Department of Transport have responsibility for overall policy and securing 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, including noise mitigation measures, for individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
86. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a copy of the findings of the interim review of H1 2023 of the IFFPG renewal of approved body status, as per the opening statement of an official of the Department to the Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the collection and recycling of farm plastic, which was published on 29 June 2021. [34116/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in the process of conducting a mid-term review of the Ministerial Approval of Irish Farm Film Producers’ Group (IFFPG) to operate the extended producer responsibility scheme under S.I. No. 341 of 2001, Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations, 2001, as amended. This work was initiated in November 2023.
The review process has been comprehensive and I anticipate that it will be concluded in the coming weeks.
88. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a copy of a report (details supplied) commissioned by his Department; if he will detail the provision of a scientific assessment of peat land landslides in Leitrim, Kerry and Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34178/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDraft reports, referred to in the Question, have now been submitted to my Department. These will be reviewed by Geological Survey Ireland, a division within my Department, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage shortly with a view to making them publicly available in quarter 4 of 2024.
89. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide details of the procedures in place to ensure the safe decommissioning of battery energy storage systems in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34203/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 12 July 2023, the Council of the European Union adopted new regulation (2023/1542) to strengthen sustainability rules for batteries and waste batteries. EU Regulation 2023/1542 “Concerning batteries and waste batteries” amends EU Directive 2008/98 and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repeals EU Directive 2006/66/E “On batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators”. While regulation (2023/1542) came into force on 18 February 2024, certain provisions will become effective at staggered intervals up to 2027. Regulation (2023/1542) regulates the entire life cycle of batteries, including batteries used in electricity storage systems, referred to as ‘industrial batteries’ from production to reuse and recycling.
The European Commission has adopted a whole of life cycle approach to the implementation of these regulations and ensures that [industrial] batteries are safe, sustainable and competitive. While the regulation augments the provisions of the Batteries Directive (2006/66) in relation to management of waste batteries, it also has extensive implications for standards of batteries placed on the market, with the effect of increasing circularity and sustainability. This requires the setting up of harmonized product and marketing requirements including conformity assessment procedures.
At present the national enforcement of the Batteries Regulations and the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Regulations is led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local authorities. The EPA enforce the obligations set out in these regulations on producers. (Any person who places batteries and/or electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) on the market in Ireland for the first time on a professional basis, whether by manufacturing or by importing the product, is a ‘producer’.)
Producers are under the obligation to register as a producer of EEE and/or batteries with the national registration body (the Producer Register Limited, (www.producerregister.ie) and ensure the environmentally sound management of waste arising from those products they place on the market.
Battery energy storage systems that are installed on installations/facilities licensed by the EPA are required to be decommissioned in accordance with the terms of their licence and in accordance with national legislation (including the Batteries Regulations, the Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation and the WEEE Regulations).
The Batteries Regulations (S.I. No. 283 of 2014), the Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation (EU 2023/1542) and the WEEE Regulations (S.I. No. 149 of 2014) require a producer to:
- Register with the National Registration body (Producer Register Limited).
- Finance the environmentally sound management of the batteries and/or EEE for when the products become waste, generally by joining a compliance scheme.
- Ensure batteries and/or EEE placed on the market comply with relevant product, sustainability, safety and labelling requirements.
The Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation (EU 2023/1542) also sets out the safety requirements for stationary battery energy storage systems including the technical documentation, assessment and evidence required to demonstrate compliance.
Further, batteries and EEE used in battery electricity storage systems are required to be sourced from a registered supply chain, i.e., from a producer who meets the requirement to be registered, up to date, with the national registration body (Producer Register Limited).
Producers of industrial batteries and accumulators, or third parties acting on their behalf, shall not refuse to take back waste industrial batteries and accumulators from end-users, they shall also make adequate arrangements to provide for the collection of waste industrial batteries regardless of chemical composition and origin.
It is prohibited the disposal in landfills or by incineration of waste industrial and automotive batteries and accumulators. Waste facilities which accept and treat WEEE and/or waste batteries are licensed by the EPA (large scale waste facilities) or permitted by Local Authorities (smaller scale waste activities).
90. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether his Department has sought agreement to terminate the memorandum of understanding on gas between the European Union, the State of Israel and the Arab Republic of Egypt in light of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and increasing settler violence in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34347/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe authority to conclude international agreements such as this MOU is exercised on behalf of the Irish Government by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications I am responsible for relevant negotiations but not for the Government decision. Ireland has been a consistently strong voice in Europe against the war on Gaza. The escalating violence across the region and in Lebanon is of great concern. Ireland’s consistent focus has been on the need for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal and a surge in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region. We need to find a way to a political process than can achieve this.
91. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the percentage of renewable electricity that was generated from renewable fuel sources; the percentage of renewable electricity that was generated from fossil fuel sources; the breakdown of imported electricity, by fuel source, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34355/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, with a major reason for this being the construction of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the electricity grid. Over the last ten years, Ireland’s wind energy output has increased by 157%.
DECC do not hold information on the breakdown of the percentage of renewable electricity. Data regarding Ireland's electricity generation is available to view on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/
The table below sets out a breakdown of fuel sources provided from SEAI:
|
Electricity Generated/Supplied by Source |
Group |
% |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Gas |
Fossil |
% |
51.0% |
45.7% |
48.8% |
44.3% |
|
Wind |
Renewable |
% |
36.3% |
29.5% |
33.1% |
33.7% |
|
Coal |
Fossil |
% |
2.1% |
8.2% |
7.0% |
3.5% |
|
Peat |
Fossil |
% |
2.9% |
1.0% |
0.7% |
0.4% |
|
Oil |
Fossil |
% |
1.2% |
4.4% |
3.2% |
0.7% |
|
Hydro |
Renewable |
% |
2.9% |
2.3% |
2.1% |
2.7% |
|
Landfill gas |
Renewable |
% |
0.4% |
0.4% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
|
Biomass |
Renewable |
% |
1.4% |
1.4% |
1.5% |
1.0% |
|
Renewable wastes |
Renewable |
% |
1.0% |
1.1% |
1.0% |
1.0% |
|
Biogas |
Renewable |
% |
0.2% |
0.2% |
0.2% |
0.2% |
|
Solar |
Renewable |
% |
0.2% |
0.3% |
0.4% |
1.9% |
|
Wastes Non-Renewable |
Other |
% |
0.9% |
1.0% |
0.9% |
0.9% |
|
Electricity (net imports) |
Other |
% |
-0.5% |
4.8% |
0.7% |
9.5% |
|
Total |
Total |
% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
The data for 2024-to-date is not currently available in the same level of detail, however indicative data published by the SEAI this month shows that emissions from the electricity sector in the first half of 2024 were down 17.2% with almost half of utility scale generation being renewable and interconnector imports in the first half of 2024 accounting for 14.4% of Ireland's utility scale electricity supply.
SEAI do not hold data on the breakdown of electricity imports by source which is driven by the generation technology mix and market conditions in the relevant interconnected jurisdictions.
92. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in the delivery of action one of the national hydrogen strategy, to develop and publish data sets showing the likely locations, volumes, and load profile of surplus renewables on our electricity grid out to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34537/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra93. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in the delivery of action two of the national hydrogen strategy, to establish an early hydrogen innovation fund to provide co-funding supports for demonstration projects across the hydrogen value chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34538/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in the delivery of action three of the national hydrogen strategy, to adopt EU standards for renewable and low carbon hydrogen and develop a national certification scheme to provide clarity to end users as to the origin and sustainability of their hydrogen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34539/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in the delivery of action four of the national hydrogen strategy, to develop the commercial business models to support the scale up and development of renewable hydrogen, targeting surplus renewable grid electricity pre-2030 and an initial 2 GW of offshore wind from 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34540/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in the delivery of action five of the national hydrogen strategy, to develop a roadmap to bring net zero dispatchable power solutions to market by 2030, to support the delivery of a near net zero power system by 2035; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34541/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in the delivery of action six of the national hydrogen strategy, to undertake further work to assess the role that integrated energy parks could play in our future energy system, including their potential benefits and the possible barriers that may exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34542/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in the delivery of action seven of the national hydrogen strategy, to publish the draft national policy framework on alternative fuels infrastructure, and support the roll-out of hydrogen powered heavy duty vehicles and refuelling infrastructure in line with EU requirements set out in the recast Renewable Energy Directive and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34543/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 to 98, inclusive, together.
The National Hydrogen Strategy was published in July 2023 and is our first major policy statement on renewable hydrogen and marks an important first step in developing an indigenous hydrogen industry in Ireland. The Strategy sets out sets out our strategic vision for the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system and as a key component of our zero-carbon economy. There have been 21 actions set out within the Strategy to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. These actions aim to remove barriers to early hydrogen project developments and to enhance our knowledge through targeted research and innovation across the hydrogen value chain, laying the groundwork to deliver on our long-term strategic vision. These actions have varying timelines for completion spanning from 2024 to 2030. A key action for this year, as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024, is to develop a detailed implementation plan for the multi-year work programme set out in the Strategy and ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place to support delivery of the actions set out within the strategy. The timeline for completion of this plan is now estimated to be Q4 2024. Once completed, further clarity on the status of all actions set out within the strategy and the annual work programmes to deliver on these will be communicated.
102. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); if there are plans in place to provide funding for community organisations to purchase portable solar generators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34683/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Non-Domestic Microgen grant, as part of the wider Microgeneration Support Scheme, commenced in September 2022. The grant is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provides financial assistance to help businesses and other organisations to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. The scheme provides a grant towards the design, purchase and installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for a non-domestic building, based on having a registered MPRN for the premises.
Detailed information regarding eligibility for the non-domestic Microgen scheme is available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/
However, it should be noted that as with all SEAI energy grant schemes, eligible technologies/solutions are informed by a number of factors, including ready availability of such solutions and installers in the market, scale of savings achievable, costs to the business/homeowner and typical payback; as well as programme budget availability targeting areas where greatest national impact is likely to be achieved.
Consequently, portable solar generators are not currently eligible for the receipt of grant funding, through any existing SEAI energy grant scheme.
Under the new EU amending directive 2024/1711, which focuses on improving the Union’s electricity market design; there will be the option for Member States to consider if they wish to promote the introduction of plug-in mini-solar systems of up to 800 W capacity in and on buildings. Ireland is currently assessing the impact of the Directive and may opt to issue a consultation on some of the flexibilities that are contained within, in order to ascertain the views of the public and interested stakeholders.
103. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if broadband will be installed in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34684/24]
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 Question refers to a premises 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.
Commercial Fixed line operators Open Eir, Virgin Media and SIRO are delivering high-speed broadband services in the blue area/ non-intervention area of the map.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to this 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.
As per NBI, the engineering survey for this area is now complete, and there is an anticipated date of connection for this premises of January 2026-December 2026.
104. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when broadband will be installed at an address in Carlow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34707/24]
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 Question refers to a premises 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.
Commercial Fixed line operators Open Eir, Virgin Media and SIRO are delivering high-speed broadband services in the blue area/non-intervention area of the map.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to this premises can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website: 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.
As per NBI, the engineering survey for this area is currently underway, and there is an anticipated date of connection for this premises of January 2026-December 2026.
