Written Answers Nos. 56-75
56. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications 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 were refused. [2499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has approved Special Leave for one civil servant to avail of an appointment to an EU or International Organisation. The approval was granted in 2022 and will cover 2024.
My Department has no record of approving a career break for any civil servant to take up an EU post in 2024.
My Department has no record of refusing a request from an civil servant to take up an EU post via special leave/career break in 2024.
57. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to examine a fibre broadband case in Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3146/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 which is available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-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.
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: https://secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx
58. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expedite the provision of a liquefied natural gas terminal in north Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2172/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter referred to by the Deputy is a private investment proposal.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on this individual case given that the matter is subject to an ongoing Judicial Review before the High Court.
59. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if owners of thatched homes are eligible to apply for retrofitting grants such as solar panel grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The SEAI advise that it does not exclude homes with thatched roofs from applying for energy upgrade grants, including the domestic solar PV grant. These homeowners should first contact their local authority and confirm if Planning Permission is required to install a PV array on their roof.
Eligibility for SEAI supported upgrades is determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. In relation to solar panels specifically, there are significant technical challenges that may mean that the installation of a PV array on a thatched roof is not feasible. The structural integrity of the roof must be assessed to ensure it can safely support the weight of the solar PV system and a bespoke mounting system would likely be required for such installations.
Such systems may make the solar PV installation on thatched roofs significantly more expensive compared to standard installations. An alternative to consider is the installation of a ground-mounted system. It is important for thatched roof homeowners to consult with a Solar PV contractor and a Traditional Building Professional before any works commence.
To support the appropriate upgrading of traditional buildings, the technical Guidance Document - “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” has been published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This guidance is an important resource for SEAI as well as the retrofit and wider construction industry in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrading of older, traditionally-built buildings while ensuring compliance with the appropriate building regulations.
Last year, SEAI commenced the roll out of the Traditional Buildings Pilot Scheme which is available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme. Further details on the pilot scheme are available on the SEAI website: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/traditional-homes. The findings of the Pilot will help to inform Government’s approaches to retrofitting traditional buildings including options for the installation of solar PV.
60. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applicants to the warmer homes scheme in Louth; and the number of these applications outstanding in the years 2020 to 2024. [2267/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme is a free energy upgrade scheme which aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people in, or at risk of, energy poverty. It is operated by the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the Exchequer and the European Regional Development Fund. The scheme has been in existence in different forms since 2000 and, over the intervening period, has provided upgrades to over 160,000 homes.
2024 saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. This funded 7,743 free upgrades for low-income households, an increase of 31% on 2023. A budget allocation of €280 million has been provided for the Warmer Homes Scheme this year. The funding increases in recent years have supported the delivery of a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. While these deeper upgrades take longer to complete, they result in more lower income homeowners benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable dwellings, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions.
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. Applications to the scheme are assessed on a first-come basis by the SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme. Significant reductions in the average waiting time for works to be completed have been achieved, reducing from 26 months in 2022, to 18 months for the worst performing homes (rated E, F and G) completed in 2024.
I am advised that from 2020 to the end of 2024, there were 850 applications to the scheme from homeowners in County Louth, with 335 homes outstanding and at various stages of the Warmer Homes Scheme process as at the end of December 2024.
61. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a public consultation will be held on the proposed carbon budgets to 2040; the timeframe for a consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2280/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUpdated recommendations for the third carbon budget (2031—2035) and provisional recommendations for the fourth carbon budget (2036—2040) were submitted by the Climate Change Advisory Council to my Department in December 2024. The proposals are currently under review, with a view to holding a public consultation on the budgets in Q1 2025.
62. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected timeline for the publication of the Climate Action Plan 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2281/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2025 builds upon the actions, measures, policies and plans set out in Climate Action Plan 2024. A process to update and refine the plan in the context of the latest reports from the Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Change Advisory Council and Climate Action Plan progress reports was coordinated by my Department to deliver a multi-stakeholder approach to Climate Action Plan 2025 development.
The Climate Action Plan 2025 was finalised and submitted for Government approval in December 2024. However, given the election and subsequent Government formation process, the Plan will now be considered by the new Government and once approved will be published as soon as possible thereafter. I plan to progress the approval process and publication over the coming weeks.
63. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to address a by-law issue (details supplied) in place in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2311/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the State Agency whose remit is to provide scientific and management to advice to me, as Minister, on legislative measures to preserve each of the individual salmon stocks around the country.
To safeguard stocks, the Draft Net and Snap Net Byelaw contains a general prohibition on the use of monofilament and multi-strand nets, in the context of conservation imperatives guided by management and scientific advice. This prohibition applies to all fisheries with two exceptions, Cork Harbour and Castlemaine Harbour, which are in place for a number of years.
The use of monofilament nets was permitted in both Castlemaine and Cork Harbour following a detailed study carried out by IFI and at a time when salmon were more abundant in these areas. This study was submitted to the then Minister in the context of setting out secondary legislation for salmon management. This method of fishing is currently under review by IFI in the light of the latest data and, for conservation reasons, there are no plans to extend its use to other areas.
The removal of this prohibition on a wider scale would be detrimental to the relevant fish stocks.
64. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expedite the provision of fibre broadband to a property (details supplied) in County Sligo. [2431/25]
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 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 to this area can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at https://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.
The route of the network rollout is not based on cost or an economic model. Instead, it’s based on an engineering design that allows NBI to get to every premises as quickly as possible, working within the confines of how fibre networks are built and utilising existing infrastructure wherever possible.
As per the NBI website, the engineering survey for the Lavally, Ballintoger area is complete, and there is an anticipated date of connection for this premises of July 2026 —December 2026.
65. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expedite the provision of fibre broadband to an area (details supplied) in County Sligo. [2452/25]
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.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are currently connecting circa 4,200 homes each month. I am advised by NBI that, 333,681premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 112,899 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network.
In the Deputy’s own county of Sligo over 6,600 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 2,363 premises now connected.
NBI have advised that they are actively working to rollout high-speed fibre broadband in the County of Sligo.
Within the County of Sligo the network build has commenced for 32% (4,746 premises) of the premises in the Intervention Area and within the Gurteen Deployment Area (DA) the network build is in progress for 1,790 premises. There is an anticipated date of connection for Kilfree which is in the Gurteen DA of October 2025 —December 2025.
The route of the network rollout is not based on cost or an economic model. Instead, it’s based on an engineering design that allows NBI to get to every premises as quickly as possible, working within the confines of how fibre networks are built and utilising existing infrastructure wherever possible.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to these premises can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at https://nbi.ie/reps/. 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.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
66. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a renewable heat obligation will be established in the context of the National Biomethane Strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2465/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings Decision S180/20/10/2704, the Government agreed to the introduction of an obligation on the heat sector to require suppliers of fossil fuels used for heat to ensure a proportion of the energy they supply is renewable.
Development of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) scheme is a key priority as the RHO will support achievement of our renewable energy targets, help reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels, and strengthen our energy security. Identified as a key demand side support in the National Biomethane Strategy, the RHO will also support the delivery of the Government target of 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030.
Given the impact the RHO will have on fuel producers, suppliers and end consumers, careful consideration of the necessary scheme parameters is required, and accordingly extensive market engagement has been central to the scheme design process. In this regard, my Department has carried out a number of stakeholder engagement activities to ensure a robust evidence base will inform final decisions in relation to the scheme and support its successful introduction.
Following a final public consultation on the draft RHO high-level scheme, which will be launched shortly, it is intended to bring the proposed scheme to Government for approval.
67. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to the widespread undergrounding of the national electricity cable network, in view of the many interruptions to services during the regular storms and the dangers that follow for repair crews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will be assessing the worst-affected areas from Storm Éowyn and ensuring that relevant energy infrastructure is a strong as possible to avoid such a debilitating situation in future storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2921/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way his Department is preparing to ensure that Ireland's energy system is better prepared in the face of weather events such as the recent Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2927/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts being made by the ESB to ensure that the electricity network is more robust to withstanding disruptions to supply caused by severe weather-related events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 80, 85 and 87 together.
The subject of these Questions relates to storm responses and particularly that of Storm Éowyn, which caused an unprecedented level of damage to our networks. I wish to acknowledge the work of ESB Networks in responding to the aftermath and international colleagues who have come to our assistance.
Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network. Both entities are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Notwithstanding this, as Minister I have requested that a number of actions be taken, including an enhanced Winter 2025 Winter Grid Resilience Plan, which will be implemented by ESB Networks between March and October. Furthermore, ESB networks has already identified a number of initial actions, including the creation of forestry corridors to protect overhead line networks and enhancement of already strong networks with partners across Europe. It is not anticipated that the additional cost associated with the storm will materially impact on customer or consumer bills in 2025, or in future years.
Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission system operators and for which they are accountable to the CRU. It is for system operators to determine the means of delivery of infrastructure.
Investing in our grid is undertaken in 5 year cycles, known as Price Reviews, sanctioned by the CRU. To deal with the disruptive events of storms and long term impacts of climate change, as part of PR6, ESB Networks are planning to implement a strategic approach to asset management to ensure that the investments are futureproofed and resilient.
Given the subject matters of these question Deputies may wish to engage directly with ESB Networks and EirGrid regarding the issues raised. The CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks have respective contact email address for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern.
68. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the significant delays in the approval and payment of pension increases for retired An Post pensioners, which require ministerial approval and have led to unacceptable delays in 2022 and 2023; the measures being taken to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2586/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 ('the Act'), I, as Minister, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform ('MPENDR'), approve any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant section of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies ('the Code'), An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both myself and MPENDR to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme ("the scheme").
Ministerial consent has been granted and conveyed to An Post for any requested increases for the years 2022 and 2023.
The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
69. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that individuals in County Galway were unable to make emergency 999 calls during Storm Éowyn; if his Department will be investigating this to ensure people have access to emergency services during adverse weather events in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2631/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Storm Éowyn caused an unprecedented level of damage to networks in Ireland. Storm Éowyn resulted in the widespread loss of power which in turn resulted in loss of some mobile phone services and fixed phone services, particularly in the West and North-West of the country. Fallen trees have also damaged many telecommunication lines. So, while the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) remained operational at all times during and after the storm, the loss of mobile and fixed line services meant that access to the service was not available for some customers.
A key focus for government, the National Emergency Coordination Group and all organisations involved is to find ways to support power restoration works that will make the most impact in terms of restoring water, communications and other services.
A significant number of outages experienced on the telecom networks were due to the lack of power to fixed and mobile infrastructure. While many key sites have battery backup to maintain service, once battery capacity was exhausted some network areas would have experienced outages. Deployment of generators maintained connectivity at core sites across the country.
During Storm Éowyn, ComReg engaged with mobile and fixed companies daily. My Department receives regular updates from ComReg about the numbers of affected mobiles and fixed line users, This data is provided to the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG).
The network operators will provide ComReg with reports about the overall impact that Storm Éowyn had on their respective networks.
A key focus for Government, the NECG and all organisations involved is to find ways to support power restoration works that will make the most impact in terms of restoring water, communications and other services.
70. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Government's stance on expanding mining activities in protected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2686/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMineral exploration activities in Ireland operate within a framework of Irish and EU legislation, including those implemented to ensure environmental protection. All exploration activities must be undertaken in a manner avoiding damage to the environment and amenities of the Licensed Area and avoiding or minimizing disturbance of residents.
All mining must be preceded by planning permission, an EPA industrial emissions or integrated pollution control, and a State Mining Lease or Licence from the Geoscience Regulation Office, which must be accompanied by an Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive and an Environmental Impact Assessment. Any State Mining Facility application will only be considered by the Minister if the first two regulatory approvals are given.
On 7 December 2022, the Government published a Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining, which is accessible at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3a2bb-policy-statement-on-mineral-exploration-and-mining/. This sets out the key principles and priorities that will guide the regulation of these activities and the role minerals will play in our future. The Policy asserts that the protection of our environment and conservation of our natural heritage is paramount in how these activities will be regulated.
71. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has, or intends to, communicate with his Northern Ireland counterpart in relation to the proposed gold mine in the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone, or whether there has been any Departmental discussions related to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department made a submission to the Tyrone gold mine plans; and if the Department had any concerns about its development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2688/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there has been any analysis of transboundary environmental impacts for the Republic of Ireland from the proposed gold mine in the Sperrin Mountains in Tyrone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2689/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an environmental impact assessment has been conducted for special areas of conservation in the Republic of Ireland in response to the proposed gold mine in County Tyrone in the Sperrins area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2690/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 to 74, inclusive, together.
With regard to the public inquiry process (the Curraghinalt Project (Dalradian Gold) conjoined Public Inquiries) which is currently adjourned until 26 March 2025 on technical grounds in Northern Ireland in respect of a proposed gold mine in County Tyrone, my Department has made no submission in relation to the proposed development, nor has it been in formal correspondence with its Northern Ireland counterpart in that regard, and it would be inappropriate for me as Minister to make any comment in relation to same.
I understand that a request for suspension by the Department of Infrastructure was acceded to by the Northern Ireland Planning Appeals Commission and the Commission confirmed that an update will be provided in due course.
Planning and development matters fall within the remit of the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage which has the responsibility for transboundary effects notifications pursuant to the EU Espoo Convention, in that once it receives relevant notifications from a counterpart origin state of an activity proposed in a planning application likely to have significant effects on the environment of neighbouring states, it in turn notifies relevant stakeholders to allow for a public consultation process to be undertaken.
I understand that while Donegal County Council was notified by the Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and commenced a transboundary public consultation which closed on 6 January 2025, it emerged at the two days of the Northern Ireland public inquiry hearings held prior to suspension, that there had been a failure to notify the Irish Government and that inadequate time had been given to Donegal County Council to respond after a transboundary issue was identified.
Any future notifications which may issue from the Northern Ireland Department of Infrastructure with respect to the proposed project or indeed any planning application which it may notify which relates to transboundary issues under the Convention would in the first instance be a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
75. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a broadband connection will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2748/25]
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, 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.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to this area under the NBP State led intervention can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at https://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, the network build for this area is currently underway, and there is an anticipated date of connection for this premises of July 2026 —December 2026.
Commercial Fixed line operator Open Eir confirm on their website, https://www.oebroadbandchecker.com/, that they are currently delivering high-speed broadband services in the Dromin, Milltown area and that this premises can order a full fibre gigabit connection. This can be ordered through any one of their retail service providers, a list of which can also be found on their website.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
If after contacting their Retail Service Provider a person is 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 https://secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and the department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
