Wednesday, 5 Feb 2025

Written Answers Nos. 96-105

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

Environmental Policy

Ceisteanna (96)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

96. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline, given the risks posed by the discharge of toxic chemicals and the proposed 17-storey mine waste facility in the Sperrins AONB gold mine project, the measures the Government is considering to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency is fully involved in the review of this project and its potential transboundary impacts on water quality and public health. [3309/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

Notification of, and public participation, including agencies of the State concerning projects in Northern Ireland likely to have transboundary effects are dealt with in accordance with international law and convention. The Environmental Protection Agency is an independent statutory body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and is independent in the discharge of its functions in accordance with section 79(3) of that Act.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (97)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

97. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the lengthy delays experienced by residents in Rolestown in accessing broadband; if he is aware that this service was promised for December 2024 and that it is has been delayed until December 2025; if he will agree that these repeated delays are unacceptable; if he plans to improve on this roll-out or address this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.

The Question refers to the Rolestown area which is partially located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available on my Department's website at https://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 in the AMBER area 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.

It provides potential customers with indicative dates, based on the best information available at any given time. However, given 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, [e-mail], which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.

Rolestown is included in the Donabate /Portrane Deployment Area (DA). NBI have advised my Department that they are currently facing challenges in this specific DA, which is affecting the anticipated connection timeframe. Build works were to be completed by third-party infrastructure in September 2023. Under the National Broadband Plan (NBP), NBI is contractually obligated to re-use existing third-party infrastructure, such as poles and ducts.

During the Network Build Stage, the third party is responsible for clearing and replacing poles and clearing ducts to align to the agreed standards. Regrettably challenges have occurred during the completion of these works by the third party, which has significantly impacted NBI’s ability to proceed with the build in this DA.

Given these delays, the current estimated timeframe for connection is between October and December 2025. NBI will publish confirmation of timeframes to their website as they become available.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (98)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

98. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding the replacement of all the old copper cable landlines with fibre voice over broadband landlines, which raises the issue that in the future when we lose power, we will lose the ability to use our landlines and also to use our panic buttons for the elderly people in our community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3408/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

In December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.

This target will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their fibre networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention.

It should be noted that there is no legal basis to request a network operator to retain copper services permanently.

The copper network is owned by Eir (a private entity) and as such the ongoing operation and maintenance of it is a commercial matter for them. It should be further noted that EU policy supports the switching off of the copper networks throughout the EU and legislation has been put in place to facilitate this policy i.e. Article 81 of the European Electronic Communications Code (Directive (EU) 2018/1972). The EU has set 2030 as the preferred date to complete the switch off of copper-based communication networks across the Union.

It is also important to note that there are existing safeguards designed to protect consumers during such a process. Key among these is the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) Decision D09/23 which lays out the ‘Framework for Migration from Legacy to Modern Infrastructure’ , Copper Switch Off (CSO). This Decision ensures that CSO cannot occur without following a clearly defined process subject to ComReg oversight which aims to protect customers.

Should Eir wish to proceed with switch-off of its copper network, it must adhere to a clearly defined process across multiple phases that have been designed to ensure all end-users have access to a modern comparable service prior to switch-off and are kept fully informed about associated timelines.

In addition to D09/23, ComReg also published “Guidance for Retail Service Providers on Customer Migration from Copper-Based Electronic Communication Services – Management of Migration and Future Copper Switch-Off ’(ComReg 24/76). This document provides guidance to Retail Service Providers (RSPs) on how to manage the CSO migration process with a particular focus on steps that should be followed in relation to catering to vulnerable customers. In the guidance ComReg indicated that it would be monitoring RSPs adherence to the guidance and suggested that it may utilise its powers to amend RSPs General Authorisation if it considers greater consumer protection is required.

It should be noted that the timing of the switch-off is a commercial matter for Eir subject to it complying with the provisions of ComReg’s decision.

There are also further protections for consumers by way of the Universal Services provisions in S.I. No. 444 of 2022 - European Union (Electronic Communications Code) Regulations 2022.

This provides that ComReg can designate a Universal Services Obligation (USO) provider/s for the provision of voice communications services at a fixed location which may require them to undertake a public consultation before doing so. If a USO provider is designated it will provide a further layer of protection to vulnerable customers who may be impacted by copper switch off.

With respect to non-telecommunications services that current rely on the copper network, such as “panic button” services, the Department is aware that a range of alternative solutions are available for these types of services and is proposing to launch a consultation later this year to gauge the extent to which such service providers are prepared for any potential copper switch off and availing of such alternatives.

Recycling Policy

Ceisteanna (99)

Eoghan Kenny

Ceist:

99. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in the context of a Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, if his Department is reviewing the current policy; if consideration is being given to the need to develop further recycling and waste management infrastructure to ensure that recycling and reuse targets can be met by waste management companies and local authorities operating civic amenity bring centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3423/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

The 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 the development of adequate and appropriate treatment capacity at indigenous facilities to ensure that the full circularity and resource potential of materials is captured in Ireland. This policy and regulatory framework is intended to create the market conditions required to support indigenous capacity by ensuring that the right material ends up in the right bin, and in a suitable condition, thus making it available for separate collection and subsequent recycling, reuse, or repair.

Incentivised pricing systems backed by strong and consistent enforcement also play a key role. The measures outline in the WAPCE provide a significant incentive to drive segregation, increasing the value of the contents of recycling bins and brown bins and thereby creating the necessary conditions to support the viability of indigenous recycling capacity as well as composting and digestate facilities. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices launched a new National Waste Management Plan in March 2024 which sets out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the WAPCE and support Ireland's circular economy transition.

My Department is also commissioning a comprehensive study to explore the feasibility, potential benefits and risks associated with transitioning our waste collection system from its current model of side-by-side market competition to a franchise tendering system for local authority areas or regions. The recommendations from this study will inform the next iteration of the WAPCE, while the publication of Ireland’s second Circular Economy Strategy later this year will stimulate investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, by focusing on measures that enhance our capacity to transform waste into secondary materials and seek to create a culture of circular behaviour through demonstration projects, community initiatives, and awareness campaigns.

Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 84.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (101, 102)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

101. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the price rises for waste collection services; if he is aware that they price hikes surpass the rate of inflation and that the recycling per life charge is going up by 25 percent which is 18 times the rate of inflation; if he has engaged with the private waste collection company that is introducing these price hikes; the measures he is taking to reduce the costs of waste collection services to households; the measures he is taking to increase regulation in the waste collection sector; if he has considered the municipalisation of waste collection services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3551/25]

Pa Daly

Ceist:

102. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of a report (details supplied); if his attention has been brought to recommendation 47, in which the Committee recommended that the national waste regulator oversee a new system of economic licensing, whereby exclusive licences are granted for specified geographic areas in order to extend coverage to as many households as possible and that boundaries are designed to combine less commercially attractive areas with more commercially attractive areas; if these recommendations will be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3552/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.

Charges applied by waste collection companies are matters for those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract, competition and consumer legislation. I have no role as Minister in relation to pricing in a competitive market.

Waste Management is a statutory executive function of individual local authorities. Private waste collectors operate under a waste collection permit issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO). These permits include a requirement that waste collection charging systems should incentivise customers to source segregate their waste, therefore the fees charged for the collection of the brown bin or mixed dry recyclables bin should be lower than the fees for the collection of the residual general waste bin.

The National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) has engaged a research consultancy to carry out a study on incentivised charging for waste collection and its implementation through the Waste Collection Permitting System. This study will examine what changes could be made to the permitting system, for waste collectors to fully incentivise waste prevention and improved source segregation practices by their customers to minimise their waste collection bills.

My Department is also commissioning a comprehensive study to explore the feasibility, potential benefits and risks associated with transitioning our waste collection system from its current model of side-by-side market competition to a franchise tendering system for local authority areas or regions. Stakeholder views will be gathered as part of this study and the Report referred to by the Deputy can be included as part of that process.

Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 101.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (103)

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

103. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being taken to develop offshore renewable energy and green hydrogen potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3595/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

The Deputy will be aware that in order to meet our binding climate targets and enhance our energy security, Ireland has committed, in the Climate Action Plan, to achieving 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity, with a further 2GW earmarked for the production of green hydrogen and other non-grid uses.

Ireland has one of the best offshore wind resources in the world. Maximising offshore wind energy is a significant priority for the Government, and the State has recently been accelerating policy in this area.

To deliver these offshore wind energy ambitions, the Government has implemented a plan-led approach which is being overseen by a cross-Government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce.

This phased transition to plan-led development will facilitate an expedited rollout of offshore wind, emphasise protection of the marine environment, capture long-term economic opportunities, and create synergies with port and grid development.

Phase One is developer led and encompasses a total capacity of 4.2 GW. This includes four offshore wind projects that were successful in the first Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme (ORESS 1) and an additional two projects seeking merchant connections.

Phase Two is an accelerated plan-led work programme, focusing on near-term delivery based on technology with proven scalability in other jurisdictions.

The establishment of the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP), approved by the Oireachtas in October 2024, is the key element of phase two. There is a total potential capacity of 5.1 GW in the designated area, of which 900 MW will be auctioned in 2025.

The final phase is embodied by the Future Framework which delineates a fully plan-led system to achieve 20 GW by 2040 and 37 GW by 2050.

In addition, the National Hydrogen Strategy, launched in July 2023, sets out our strategic vision and 21 actions to accomplish the envisaged role that hydrogen will play in decarbonising Ireland’s energy system.

A key action for 2024 was to develop the “National Hydrogen Programme”, which will set out a detailed cross-departmental implementation plan.

Other actions in the Strategy being progressed include the development of an early hydrogen innovation fund and a study to assess hydrogen export feasibility.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (104)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

104. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures his Department is taking to encourage civil servants in his Department to take or avail of special leave or career breaks, or other forms of leave to encourage and facilitate Ireland's 2026 EU Presidency, the Government "Career for EU" jobs strategy, and the Department's Gaeilge-Irish language policy and promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3940/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has no special initiatives relating to leave of the type outlined in the Question at present but my Department continues to prepare for the upcoming Presidency. The available types of leave are mandated by circulars issued by the Department for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (105)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

105. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of requests to his Department that have been granted for various matters (details supplied); the number of such requests that were refused; and the grounds on which they have were refused. [2499/25]

Reply not received from Department.

• Written Answers Nos. 76-95
• Written Answers Nos. 106-120