Written Answers Nos. 105-134
105. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding the medically vulnerable scheme, if the scheme is operational since Q3 2023, the energy suppliers that are signed up and have provided the 198 homes with the installation to date. [34712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme is a targeted scheme for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for customers/households who are registered on the life support category of the Priority Services Register. These homes have a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including medical equipment, life protecting devices and assistive technologies for example dialysis machines, respirators, etc.
The scheme comprises of a fully funded 2kWp solar PV system for eligible households. This includes survey/design, supply, installation, and the post works BER. The scheme is operational since Q3 2023, though not all Energy Suppliers are yet signed up. The scheme is wholly managed by the registered Energy Suppliers, with each of the Energy Suppliers contacting their own eligible customers directly, in line with the work plans for their Solar PV Installers.
To date there are over 200 homes fully installed. The number of installed homes will increase as more energy suppliers sign up for the scheme.
The Medically Vulnerable Scheme is operational since Q3 2023 and SSE Airtricity have been fully deployed on the scheme since then. Three more energy providers are in the final stages of signing up to the scheme and their deployment is imminent.
106. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the situation of residents who use a coin meter for electricity, given that these residents are not registered with an electricity supplier in Ireland, do not have an individual meter point registration number, and do not receive an electricity bill, this results in no energy credit being passed onto the residents; if energy credits are announced or allocated to persons again in Budget 2025 or if further schemes are designed to assist with the cost of energy; if he will into account the difficulties that such persons who have coin meters face; the provisions that can be put in place to allow such residents to claim the energy credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34728/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2024 introduced a third Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme which over 2.2 million households have benefitted from - worth €450 in total per household. Through the three Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Schemes 2.2 million households have received €1,250 in on bill support.
The type of coin operated meters referred to by the Deputy are not installed by ESBN and are not regulated by the CRU. Such devices are usually installed behind the electricity meter, and their use for payment of electricity is a contractual matter between residents and their landlords. Where a dispute arises between a tenant and landlord regarding the passing on of the payment, the resolution mechanisms of the RTB are available; however, tenants will be encouraged to resolve the matter with their landlord in the first instance.
A variety of supports are available to support households meet their energy costs, including the Fuel Allowance payment which has recently expanded eligibility to include people on Employment Support Schemes, and the Additional Needs Payment, provided by the Department of Social Protection.
Household customers struggling with their bills are strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier, directly or through a third-party representative. Suppliers will not disconnect customers that continue to engage with them and suppliers have additional customers supports in place, including hardship funds. to meet costs of essentials such as energy.
Government is closely monitoring the impact of the full range of supports and the matter of any additional supports is a matter for consideration in the context of Budget 2025. In addition, the revised Energy Poverty Action Plan, due to be published later this year, 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, will supplement these measures.
108. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of flights he has taken to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Knock Airport since assuming office. [34755/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my capacity as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I can confirm that I have not flown to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport or Knock Airport since assuming office in 2020.
109. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the shared island dimension to the Community Climate Action Programme; to provide the total allocation; the expenditure to date; the amount that is contained with expenditure ceilings laid out in the Stability Programme Update and Summer Economic Statement and the amount that will have to come from additional funding; the date the project was started; and the projected date of completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34813/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra€3 million is being provided by the Shared Island Fund for Strand 1a of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP), which aims to support and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way on a cross-border or whole-island basis.
My Department sent out letters notifying the Local Authorities of the projects and funding amounts that had been approved the week commencing the 8 July. Local Authorities then moved into the contracting phase with the individual projects. As delivery is only expected to commence this month, there has been no expenditure to date. Strand 1a projects have 18 months to complete, and it is not envisaged that there will be additional funding from other sources.
|
- |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
CCAP Strand 1a |
End September 2024 |
End March 2026* |
*Individual projects may complete sooner than this 18 month timeframe.
The Government established the Shared Island Fund in Budget 2021, providing ring-fenced resourcing for the delivery of the all-island investment commitments and objectives set out in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP).
The Shared Island Fund aims to create a more prosperous, connected and sustainable island. The Fund provides significant new, multi-annual capital funding for investment on a strategic basis in collaborative North/South projects that will support the commitments and objectives of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Shared Island funding is captured within the overall NDP allocations, but is applied to the sectors approved as needed in each budgetary cycle.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, in consultation with the Department of the Taoiseach, manages drawdown from the Shared Island Fund consistent with the capital allocations and commitments set out under the NDP. Updated NDP allocations out to 2026, published on March 27 this year, provide for total Shared Island Fund allocations of €150 million in 2024, €150 million in 2025 and rising to €190 million in 2026.
110. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason there is such a long delay in revoking Bye-Law No. C.S.336, 2024, that closed the Ballisodare, County Sligo catchment including all lakes for angling (details supplied); if he will immediately expedite this issue and allow anglers access to this fantastic resource; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34832/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI introduced an Emergency Bye-Law on 17th July which ceased all angling activity in the waters of the Ballysadare River system in the No. 12 Sligo District with immediate effect. The Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Ballysadare (Closed Rivers) Bye No. C.S. 336, 2024 was enacted as a precautionary measure against any potential spread of disease that could occur in the absence of information on the nature of the fish kill in the catchment.
In August 2024, I accepted the advice of the Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS), which advises on the harvest quotas to be set for each of the salmon rivers in Ireland, and IFI, who recommended that as a precautionary measure, the Ballysadare River should be reopened on a catch and release basis only for the remainder of the season to single barbless hooks to minimise inadvertent catch and release mortalities for salmon in the system.
As a result of this advice on the 21st August, I introduced the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Ballysadare (Catch and Release) Bye-law No. 1012, 2024. This Byelaw has revoked the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Ballysadare (Closed Rivers) Bye-Law C.S. 336 of 2024, while also removing the harvest quota for the remainder of the season making the Ballysadare river catch and release only, with angling limited to single barbless hooks to conserve the number of salmon currently in the Ballysadare river system.
111. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of unclaimed refunds in regard to the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34851/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the State benefits from any unclaimed refunds form the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34852/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the company operating the deposit return scheme earns any additional revenue from unclaimed refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34853/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together.
DRSI CLG, trading as Re-turn, was established by beverage producers and retailers to fulfil their obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021. The company is structured as a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. Re-turn obtained Ministerial approval in July 2022 to operate Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
DRS has been introduced to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and cans and to deliver on our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those products. While I fully expect those targets will be achieved, it is unlikely that every container for which a deposit has been paid will be returned by the purchaser. Deposits which are not refunded are referred to as unredeemed deposits. As set out in the DRS Regulations, unredeemed deposits will be retained by Re-turn. VAT will be payable on unredeemed deposits at the standard rate.
The scheme operator always encourages consumers to redeem their deposits, and to date just over €80m has been refunded. Re-turn retains an open-ended liability to refund deposits to consumers, regardless of when the product was purchased. Any unclaimed deposits will be reinvested in the scheme to promote better recycling practices in communities and reduce litter.
Re-turn will report to me before the end of October on the performance of the scheme and this will include information on the level of unredeemed deposits being held.
114. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of political staff employed in his Department, including parliamentary assistants, secretarial assistants, special advisers, drivers and other relevant positions; the number of civil or public service staff seconded to work within his Department or constituency offices; the salaries and job titles of each such person; the duty or role of each, 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. [34912/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a list of the names of each special adviser employed by his Department since 2020; the Minister and Minister of State whom each adviser is associated with, and their respective salaries, in tabular form; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34930/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy the information he requested is outlined in the table below:
|
NAME |
POSITION |
MINISTER |
Period |
Current Salary Scale |
Salary Scale on leaving department |
Expertise |
|
Paul Kenny |
Special Adviser |
Minister Ryan |
July 2020 to July 2024 |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 6 |
Policy Adviser |
|
|
Edel Hackett |
Special Adviser |
Minister Ryan |
March 2022 to date |
Principal Officer PPC - point 3 |
Press Adviser |
|
|
John Mc Donald |
Special Adviser |
Minister Ryan |
June 2020 to date |
Principal Officer PPC - point 5 |
Policy Adviser |
|
|
Margaret Ward |
Special Adviser |
Minister Ryan |
July 2020 to February 2022 |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 2 |
Press Adviser |
|
|
Sarah O Neill |
Special Adviser |
Minister Richard Bruton |
October 2018 to June 2020 |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 4 |
Press Adviser |
|
|
Patrick Cluskey |
Special Adviser |
Minister Richard Bruton |
October 2018 to June 2020 |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 5 |
Policy Adviser |
|
|
Robert Hughes |
Special Adviser |
Minister of State Sean Canney |
January 2019 to June 2020 |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 2 |
Policy Adviser |
|
|
John Murray |
Civilian Driver |
Minister Richard Bruton |
October 2018 to June 2020 |
Clerical Officer - Point 1 |
Civilian Driver |
|
|
Sean Divilly |
Civilian Driver |
Minister Richard Bruton |
October 2018 to June 2020 |
Clerical Officer - Point 1 |
Civilian Driver |
There are no advisers appointed by Minister of State Smyth or Minister of State Lawless to this Department.
The advisers I appointed above work/worked across the portfolio of both this Department as well as that of the Department of Transport. They are included in this response as the payment of salaries is made through the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
All payments are made in line with the Ministerial Appointments and Expenses circulars and guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The appointments made by my predecessor, Minister Bruton, worked across the portfolio of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
116. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34948/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the expenses paid to Ministerial advisers by my Department in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 are set out in the table below:
Travel and Subsistence
|
Year |
Amount € |
|
2020 |
21 |
|
2021 |
- |
|
2022 |
4,779 |
|
2023 |
14,359 |
|
2024 |
11,061 |
|
Total |
30,220 |
117. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total estimated spending on retrofitting homes for improved energy use over the past three years; and the total number of homes upgraded per county in total and as a percentage of the county’s housing stock. [35011/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by end-2030. This represents approximately 30% of the housing stock and is among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide.
The 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.
A range of measures have been put in place in recent years under the National Retrofit Plan, including an enhanced package of SEAI retrofit supports, to support the achievement of the retrofit targets.
Demand for the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been exceptionally high in recent years. Data from SEAI shows that in the period 2021 to end-June 2024 grant support of just over €650m was provided across all counties for the delivery of:
• just over 116,000 property upgrades (including the Solar PV scheme) representing approximately 5% of the housing stock.
• of these, just over 40,500 have been upgraded to a post works building energy rating of B2 or better.
The data sought by the Deputy on the number of property upgrades delivered on a county-by-county basis can be found detailed in the following table. Retrofits as a percentage of a county’s housing stock are not routinely reported to my Department by SEAI.
Volumes across all SEAI Schemes by County for the period 2021 to end June 2024
|
Counties |
Property Upgrades |
|
Co. Carlow |
1,364 |
|
Co. Cavan |
1,541 |
|
Co. Clare |
2,734 |
|
Co. Cork |
13,425 |
|
Co. Donegal |
3,579 |
|
Co. Dublin |
27,850 |
|
Co. Galway |
7,900 |
|
Co. Kerry |
4,251 |
|
Co. Kildare |
5,142 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
2,274 |
|
Co. Laois |
2,030 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
1,025 |
|
Co. Limerick |
4,473 |
|
Co. Longford |
721 |
|
Co. Louth |
2,966 |
|
Co. Mayo |
3,922 |
|
Co. Meath |
5,290 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
1,154 |
|
Co. Offaly |
1,783 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
2,188 |
|
Co. Sligo |
2,265 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
4,174 |
|
Co. Waterford |
3,398 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
2,035 |
|
Co. Wexford |
4,779 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
3,884 |
|
Total |
116,147 |
118. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the guidance that is given to the SEAI in relation to building guidelines; if the SEAI has a complaints process to address case in which building guidelines have been breached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35154/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The day to day management of the grant schemes including the quality assurance of individual registered contractors are operational matters for the SEAI.
I understand that contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant are supported to carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents including:
• NSAI S.R. 54:2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings
• Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents
• The System Supplier/Product Manufacturer Guidelines
• Irish Agrément certificates
• Irish, British or European Standards Guides
These documents are available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/grants/supports-for-contractors/
In addition, contractors are required to demonstrate their tax compliance and insurance cover and cooperate with a scheme's Quality Assurance (QA) programme. The QA programme has been designed by SEAI to maintain high standards of contractor workmanship; build consumer confidence; monitor health and safety; and ensure proper governance of the spending of public money.
While SEAI does not guarantee or warranty a contractor or works, it does help provide the necessary assurances to homeowners that contractors are competent to do the work in question, are insured, are tax compliant and are using the method and materials certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
A Declaration of Works must be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor certifying completion of works. Post-works Building Energy Ratings are also carried out by independent BER assessors.
In addition, regular inspections of works, which can take place at pre-payment or post-payment stage, are undertaken by SEAI on a risk-based approach in accordance with international best practice. SEAI deals with all complaints received and this also informs the risk-based approach to inspections. When sub-standard works are found, contractors are required to rectify the works to the satisfaction of the inspector, at no cost to the homeowner.
As part of SEAI’s Code of Practice all contractors are required to resolve complaints. If a customer is not satisfied with the works completed, contractors must make every reasonable effort to resolve the complaint to the customer’s and SEAI’s satisfaction.
SEAI operate under a Customer Charter and a complaints and appeals procedure is in place. If after following this procedure an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome, they can ask the Office of the Ombudsman for an independent review of the complaint. Further details are available here: www.seai.ie/customer-charter
119. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of his engagement with the ESB with regard to the establishment of a compensation fund for local communities in La Guajira, Colombia, who have been adversely affected by the exploitation of coal at a mine (details supplied) from which the ESB has purchased coal over the last two decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35224/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe procurement of fuels for ESB power stations is an operational matter for ESB. I have asked ESB to contact directly you on this matter. It should be noted that: ESB is member of the ‘Bettercoal’ initiative, whose mission is to promote continuous improvement in mining and sourcing coal for the benefit of all the people affected by the industry — including workers and their communities. ESB uses its membership of Bettercoal to ensure activities at Cerrejón are assessed and monitored on an ongoing basis. A delegation from Bettercoal’s Colombia Working Group visited Colombia in September 2022, engaging with key stakeholders on a wide range of issues including the three priority issues of just transition, water management and fostering increased dialogue. ESB is currently engaged in a formal complaint resolution process, with Christian Aid and other NGOs, in relation to the purchase of coal sourced from Cerrejón. ESB has signalled its willingness to engage in this voluntary mediation process. The Department of Foreign Affairs officials in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in Bogotá are aware of the issue and are monitoring the human rights situation in La Guajira region and across Colombia.
120. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a process in place to support, encourage and monitor use by local authorities of CCTV and mobile recording devices (drones) to assist in tackling fly-tipping and dumping, as provided for in the Circular Economy Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35250/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation allowing for the installation and usage of CCTV for litter and waste enforcement purposes required that the Local Government Management Agency submit to the Minister for approval, separate Codes of Practice for the operation of CCTV schemes under the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act and a further Code of Practice for the use of "mobile recording devices" (e.g. drones) under the Waste Management Act. These Codes of Practice were approved in January 2024 and the relevant sections of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act were commenced on 15th February 2024.
It has been open to all local authorities since that date to begin the process of putting the required procedures in place to allow for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant use of CCTV and other mobile recording devices to combat litter and illegal dumping.
While the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to littering and illegal dumping, including any decision to deploy CCTV or other technologies, lies with local authorities, my Department continues to provide extensive financial, policy and legislative support to the local authority sector to support their enforcement efforts.
Almost €18 million has been provided to local authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was first introduced in 2017, including over €2.8 million in 2023, to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. Funding provided under the ADI can be utilised by local authorities to purchase CCTV and other Audio-Visual Recording (AVR) Equipment and to put in place enforcement measures involving the use of such equipment. €3 million has been allocated to local authorities under the ADI in 2024. It is a matter for the local authorities to apply for this funding through the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs), who administer the scheme on behalf of my Department.
My Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme, with the intention of maintaining a visible presence of waste enforcement personnel on the ground across the State. €7.7 million has been allocated to local authorities under this scheme in 2024.
A further €3.8 million has been allocated in 2024 to support the enhancement of the role, responsibilities and staffing complement of the three WERLAs and to support the ongoing development of the new Local Authority Waste Programme Coordination Office. My Department has agreed to support these measures in order to position the local authority sector to better respond to emerging and priority enforcement challenges, including tackling the scourge of illegal dumping.
121. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on two studies used to evaluate national litter levels (details supplied) which have yielded differing conclusions; the analysis of these his Department considers to be the authoritative measure of litter levels in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35262/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 1999, my Department established the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) to provide a continuous and objective assessment of Ireland’s litter problems and enable local authorities manage litter pollution in a systematic, structured manner. The NLPMS publishes the results of its surveys online at www.litter.ie/ and www.gov.ie.
Since 2002, An Taisce has been carrying out litter surveys of 40 of our main towns and cities on behalf of Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) and this programme has been hugely successful in transforming the cleanliness of those cities and towns. IBAL also publishes its results online at ibal.ie/anti-litter-league/.
The latest NLPMS results are for 2023 based on 2023 surveys, while the most recent IBAL results, published in June, are based on surveys carried out in 2024 which incorporates improvements attributed to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). I am pleased to see this improvement and I expect to see a further reduction in plastic bottles and cans as constituent elements of litter as the DRS takes full effect.
Given the differing timelines, methodologies and different persons carrying out the surveys, it is difficult to definitively describe one set of results as more authoritative.
122. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the results of a litter survey frequently referenced by himself, which ranks certain areas as moderately littered according to European norms (details supplied); the specific European norms the survey refers to; if there are any data or recommendations available to the worst affected areas to help reduce litter levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35263/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides annual funding to Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) towards the cost of their annual Irish Business Against Litter Campaign. The surveys which are conducted as part of this campaign are carried out by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL. For specific queries on the surveys themselves I would suggest the Deputy contacts IBAL directly.
I understand the An Taisce methodology involves attributing a cleanliness rating to each town or city based on a number of sites assessed. In simple terms, if 80% of sites in a town are virtually free of litter, the town is deemed ‘Clean to European Norms’. The reference to European Norms is based on specific research conducted by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL into cleanliness levels in cities across the EU.
Under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. In 2023 €750,000 was provided under this Scheme and a similar amount is being made available in 2024.
In addition to the funding provided to IBAL, funding is also provided annually in support of a number of other important anti-litter initiatives such as the National Spring Clean, Picker Pals and the PURE Project.
123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 14 May 2024, the status of the community-led projects that were successful in the renewable energy support scheme 2; the locations of all eight projects; if they are wind or solar projects; the details of the other two projects that are no longer in the process; if they were wind or solar; the reason they did not continue in the scheme; the number of projects that remain in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35267/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 14 May 2024, when he expects the remaining four community-led projects that were successful in the renewable energy support scheme 1 (RESS 1) auction to energise; the number that will continue in the RESS 1 scheme; the number that will energise via the second renewable energy support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35268/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 14 May 2024, the locations of all seven community-led projects that were successful in the renewable energy support scheme 1 auction; to clarify which are solar and which are wind; to clarify which of these projects have energised to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35269/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 123 to 125, inclusive, together.
The first two Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects.
Seven community projects were successful in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 1 (RESS 1) auction, (five solar and two wind projects). Of these seven projects, three have now energised. These community projects have been enabled by the RESS scheme and have now entered into private arrangements for selling their renewable energy.
Other RESS 1 community projects are also expected to energise and participate in the upcoming Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS).
Ten community projects were successful in the RESS 2 auction. Of these, eight solar projects signed implementation agreements to deliver under the RESS 2 terms and conditions and two wind projects did not take up the RESS 2 offer and did not sign implementation agreements. Some projects may also develop through alternative routes to market, including SRESS. Due to commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to comment in any more detail on these remaining RESS 1 and 2 projects.
The location details of the projects is listed below:
RESS 1 community projects:
|
Project Name |
Company Name |
Technology Output |
Offer Quantity (MW) |
County |
|
Ballytobin Solar PV |
Ballytobin Solar Limited |
Solar |
4 |
Kilkenny |
|
Barnderg Solar Farm |
Templederry Energy Resources Ltd |
Solar |
4 |
Galway / Mayo |
|
Clooncon East Single WTG |
Clooncon East Single WTG Limited |
Onshore Wind |
0.9 |
Galway |
|
Davidstown Solar |
Davidstown Renewables Ltd |
Solar |
4.95 |
Wexford |
|
Dooleeg More Windfarm |
CEARTH LTD |
Onshore Wind |
2.5 |
Mayo |
|
Lisduff Solar Park |
TEMPLEDERRY ENERGY RESOURCES LTD |
Solar |
4 |
Clare |
|
Lurrig Solar Farm |
I.Q Solar Limited |
Solar |
4 |
Cork |
RESS 2 community projects:
|
Project Name |
Company Name |
Eligible Technology |
Offer Quantity (MW) |
County |
|
Beanhill South |
Amarenco Solar Clonakilty LTD. |
Solar |
4.95 |
Cork |
|
Clashganny South Solar Farm |
Clashganny Community Solar Ltd |
Solar |
4.99 |
Waterford |
|
Amberhill Solar Farm |
Amberhill Community Solar Ltd |
Solar |
3.5 |
Waterford |
|
Glenoge Community Solar Farm |
Glenoge Community Solar Ltd |
Solar |
4.99 |
Wexford |
|
Coolnagloose Community Solar Farm |
Coolnagloose Community Solar Ltd |
Solar |
1 |
Wexford |
|
Barnland Community Solar Farm |
Barnland Community Solar Ltd |
Solar |
0.65 |
Wexford |
|
Claremorris 2 Solar Farm |
Claremorris & Western District Energy Co-op |
Solar |
4.211 |
Mayo |
|
Lisbrien Solar Farm |
Templederry Renewable Energy Supply LTD. |
Solar |
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The tariffs for the export project phase of SRESS were announced in May and will support small scale and community renewable projects. SRESS will offer a simpler route to market for community (and SME) owned renewable projects, aligning more closely to their experience and capacity.
My Department is continuing to develop the detailed terms and conditions of the scheme which are expected to be finalised over the coming weeks with applications due to open before the end of the year.
126. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 27 June 2024, the status of the terms and conditions of the export tariff phase of the second renewable energy support scheme; the timeline for when the scheme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35278/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 27 June 2024 which noted that the tariffs for the export phase of SRESS were announced in May and will support small scale and community renewable projects. SRESS will offer a simpler route to market for community (and SME) owned renewable projects, aligning more closely to their experience and capacity.
My Department is continuing to develop the detailed terms and conditions of the scheme and has been engaging with stakeholders on the key issues. These are expected to be finalised in the near term with applications due to open before the end of the year.
127. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the working group established to assist in the review of the emissions reduction target for land use, land use change and forestry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35343/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is committed to achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, and climate neutrality by no later than 2050. These objectives are set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and are legally binding.
In June 2022, with work on the sectoral emissions ceilings almost complete, there were significant refinements to the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) baseline in the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2022 National Inventory Report. These refinements required a deferral on a SEC for LULUCF. Refinements to the estimation of emissions and removals is standard practice in the compilation of the inventories. Due to the more recent focus on the LULUCF sector, more significant revisions are being seen there than is usual in the rest of the Inventory which has reached a higher degree of maturity. This sector’s baseline has fluctuated over several years and significant inventory refinements are anticipated for the coming decade.
Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) sets out an approach for this sector that aligns with the EU LULUCF Regulation and deals with such fluctuations for this sector. This approach will set us on a pathway to achieve our goals for climate action by setting of activity targets and annual key performance indicators, and a 2030 emissions reduction target. Consequently, Ireland’s target is to reduce net LULUCF emissions by 0.626 MtCO2 eq by 2030, relative to a baseline of the average of emissions in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Responsibility for this sector has been assigned by Government under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, coordinating with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The approach will be subject to future reviews as the data improves, including the second phase of the Land-use Review which shall complete its work and report in the first quarter of 2025. I along with my colleagues in Government, the Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform have provided resources and a framework to deliver on this commitment.
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts currently in hand to ensure much improved mobile phone coverage in an area (details supplied), given neither 4G nor 5G infrastructure has been adequately rolled out in the area, 2G and 3G services are being phased out and given the lack of coverage is not only an inconvenience but also a potential safety risk for residents who are unable to reach emergency services or receive urgent notifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35364/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers, operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg) as independent Regulator. Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by ComReg, to mobile operators who advise that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded by all operators.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January 2023 to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and includes significant coverage obligations for operators. ComReg has also developed an online national outdoor coverage map and app to provide clear information on where operators have good coverage. The map will continue to be updated quarterly. See www.coveragemap.comreg.ie/map for more details. The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce is a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide to alleviate mobile and fixed connectivity barriers. The current work programme focuses on Planning and Licensing, Improving Information and Access to Assets and Infrastructure, and Improving Consumer Information, Advice and Experience.
My Department worked with EU Member States to develop the EU Connectivity Toolbox, a collection of best practices which Member States can implement at national level to lower the cost of deploying very high-speed networks in order to foster better connectivity across the EU, which is being implemented via the work programme of the Taskforce. The best practices include streamlining administrative and permitting granting procedures, and improving access to State assets.
130. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if assistance will be provided to a family (details supplied) for an SEAI appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35392/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. My officials work with the SEAI on an ongoing basis to accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this critical scheme. It is important to note however, that individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI, and as Minister I have no function in relation to scheme applications.
Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address, oireachtas@seai.ie.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
131. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a better energy warmer homes application submitted over 14 months ago (details supplied) has not yet received its BER assessment; if his Department will review this application; if he is confident that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has sufficient resources to manage and cope with the large volume of applications it is receiving; the general timeframe for BER assessments and full processing of better energy warmer home applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35475/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. My officials work with the SEAI on an ongoing basis to accelerate the delivery of free energy upgrades provided under this critical scheme. It is important to note however, that applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister, I have no function in relation to individual applications. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address, oireachtas@seai.ie.
Last year saw a record spend of €158 million under the scheme with an allocation of almost €210 million in place for 2024. This budget includes funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The funding increases have supported the delivery of 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 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 also 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are proposals to expand the range of services available through the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35658/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State's postal service and the post office network. The Government is committed to a sustainable future for An Post and the post office network as they provide a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The Government recognises the importance of the high-value and high-quality post office network to our citizens throughout the country as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. My Department is providing funding of €10 million per annum from within its existing capital provision over a three-year fixed term, from 2023 to 2025, to An Post to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. The funding provides time and space for An Post to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of the network to ensure a relevant and commercially viable network delivering more services to citizens and small businesses.
An Post, including through the post office network, provides important services to its customers and is contracted to provide key government services to citizens. These include banking services, social welfare and State savings as well as SME services and support. Decisions relating to the network, including actively seeking new business and exploring opportunities to develop new or enhanced product lines, are operational matters for the board and management of the company and not matters in which I have an immediate function. We have a keen interest and are working closely with the company to ensure it has a viable and diverse business into the future.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when fully operative fibre broadband will be made available to a residence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35696/24]
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, at www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/. 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 www.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 the NBI website, this premises can now pre-order high speed fibre broadband.
134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the pre-and post-BER ratings of all deep retrofits completed in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 to date under all SEAI schemes, by scheme, pre-BER and post-BER, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35703/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the pre-BER and post-BER rating of solid fuel homes retrofitted as part of the SEAI retrofitting programme, broken down by SEAI scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35704/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of solid fuel homes retrofitted as part of the SEAI retrofitting programme, were fitted with a heat pump, broken down by SEAI scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35705/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost per retrofit in each of the SEAI’s schemes per post-BER rating, in tabular form. [35707/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 to 137, inclusive, together.
The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, in recent years the Government has put in place a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
My Department funds a number of schemes administered by SEAI to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Individual energy upgrade grants are available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme; the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme provides an end-to-end service through One Stop Shops and the Community Energy Grant scheme supports energy efficiency upgrades undertaken as part of a community project. There are also fully funded upgrades for qualifying households.
This year a record €429.7 million capital funding was allocated to SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV Scheme, to support homeowners to improve the energy performance of their properties.
It is important to note the following:
• Homeowners are not required to have a pre-works Building Energy Rating (BER) to qualify for grant support under either Better Energy Homes or Solar PV Schemes.
• Under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme the requirement for a pre-works BER data was introduced in 2022 and therefore data is only available from 2023.
• Regarding the cost of a retrofit/home energy upgrade, this depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended. Depending on the scheme the retrofit can consist of a single energy efficiency measure, multiple measures or a whole home upgrade to B2 and the costs will vary accordingly.
• Under the Better Energy Homes, Solar PV, National Home Energy Upgrade and Communities schemes, works costs are based on declarations from the homeowners and contractors. The costs can vary depending on the factors outlined above. Additionally, homeowners may carry out non-grant aided/non energy related works as part of the same upgrade. Therefore, the costs figures which will be provided by SEAI may be in excess of the costs relating to the retrofit works only. The amounts paid out per grant-aided measure by SEAI are fixed irrespective of the costs declared.
• Under the Warmer Homes scheme, the energy upgrade works are fully Exchequer funded.
Further information on expenditure and output and associated costs for each SEAI Retrofit programme for 2023 and Quarter 1 2024 can also be found on the SEAI website at:
www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf
www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Quarterly-Report-Q1-2024.pdf
The report for Quarter 2 2024 will be published shortly on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/home-upgrades/.
In terms of the specific data sought by the Deputy that is not routinely provided to my Department by SEAI, I have directed SEAI to reply directly to the Deputy with the data requested, in so far as it is available, as soon as possible.
