Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the issue that houses that have outer leaf repairs carried out under the Mica redress scheme may not qualify for SEAI home energy efficiency schemes grants; if it is the case they are prohibited from applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11940/23]
View answerFollowing the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 to significantly enhance the defective concrete blocks grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June, 2022.
The Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022. The Act provides “for the payment of grants for the remediation of certain dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction”.
Homeowners who have works funded under the Defective Concrete Blocks scheme are not prohibited from applying for energy upgrade grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. In fact, SEAI is working with my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and local authorities to ensure that homeowners can access both grants appropriately in a streamlined manner.
In this regard, SEAI grants provide support to bring homes to the fabric performance of the 2007 building regulations. Dwellings that have outer leaf repairs funded under the DCB Scheme will already have had wall insulation covered as part of those works. Where the dwelling requires further grant funding for wall insulation to meet the 2007 standard, households may apply for such grant aid from SEAI.
SEAI grants are also available for roof insulation, the installation of heat pumps, PV and Solar Thermal systems and EV chargers.
Questions Nos. 82 and 83 answered orally.
84. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify reports on the Government support for LNG of some sort in the State and specifically how such a proposal is compatible with the State's climate obligations and targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19782/23]
View answerMy Department is working on an Energy Security Package which seeks to address the energy security challenges facing Ireland with a range of new and existing actions. This Package is made up of five pillars including the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and gas systems, the McCarthy Report (an independent review of the security of electricity supply), the next steps for the National Energy Security Framework, oil security of supply and the Climate Action Plan.
The most secure energy is the energy that we do not use and therefore, energy efficiency, demand reduction and demand side management forms part of our response to energy security. Last year, the Government successfully launched the 'Reduce Your Use' campaign to promote and encourage energy efficiency and to highlight the range of supports that are available to households and businesses.
One of the key assumptions of the technical analysis that was carried out to support the review of our energy security of supply is that Ireland’s targets for electrifying demand and the delivering renewable generation capacity by 2030 are essential to our energy security.
The Government approved the Sectoral Emission Ceilings in July 2022 and therefore set out sectoral emission ceilings for the first two carbon budget periods (i.e., 2021-2025 and 2026-2030). The agreed sectoral emission ceilings provide for sector-specific carbon budget allocations for these two periods. The pathway towards our 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets, as set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, must incorporate the required level of abatement to comply with the carbon budget periods and emission reduction targets set out in the corresponding sectoral emission ceiling.
My recommendations must be cognisant of the need for energy security, affordability and sustainability, including our sectoral emissions ceilings and carbon budget obligations. Pending completion of the review the Governments policy on LNG as set out in the Policy Statement on Fracked gas remains in place.
85. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to engage with community representatives along the route of the North-South Interconnector to hear their concerns in respect of the current approach of EirGrid. [19743/23]
View answerThe overhead, alternating-current link between the Irish and Northern Irish electricity grids is a critical infrastructure project for the island of Ireland. It will be the backbone of a fit for purpose electricity system that will ensure energy security, allow more renewables to be used on the island, reduce the need to burning gas and coal, reduce electricity costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the way that the Deputy suggests. Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states that: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. However, I expect EirGrid to engage with those living closest to the route ahead of project construction.
It is worth noting that the technical approach adopted by EirGrid has been the subject of an enormous amount of independent review and verification over a number of years. As recently as March, the Government noted the latest review by independent experts. This review, which has been published, found that the conclusions of the 2018 International Expert Commission on the decision to build the North-South Interconnector above ground remain valid. This review was the latest in a long line of independent supports and confirmations of the decision to build the North-South Interconnector as an above ground, alternating current link.
86. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the up-to-date position regarding the roll out of the National Broadband Plan in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19902/23]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) state led intervention is being delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract, to roll out a high speed broadband network within the intervention area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 14 April 2023 over 147,600 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 135,500 premises passed and available for immediate connection. Over 37,300 premises are connected to the NBP Gigabit network.
As of 31 March 2023, 8,870 premises in County Kerry are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,951 premises connected.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kerry via nbi.ie/reps. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high-speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 14 April 2023, 895 SCP sites (283 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 612 schools) have been installed. As of 31 March 2023, in County Kerry all 10 BCP’s have been installed. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/. 24 schools have been installed to date for educational access. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Eir has rolled out fibre to some 47,000 premises in County Kerry. SIRO has passed more than 16,000 premises with gigabit services .
87. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the progress of the public warning system. [19900/23]
View answerOfficials in my Department are currently working with the Office of Emergency Planning, at the Department of Defence, to progress a mobile telephony based Public Warning System for Ireland, in line with the EU legislation, as a matter of urgency.
An inter-departmental working group has been established to procure the necessary equipment and engage with the Mobile Network Operators to ensure interoperability between systems. In tandem with the procurement process, policy and procedures will be developed to ensure appropriate “Use Protocols” are in place prior to the system becoming operational.
It is anticipated that a national Public Warning System will be in place in Ireland by the end of next year, once the procurement and implementation is completed.
88. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the up-to-date position regarding efforts to strengthen Ireland's energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19903/23]
View answerThe National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April 2022, provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It outlines measures connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘whole-of-Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability.
Like most European countries, Ireland faced a challenging winter in securing our energy supplies. Despite record levels of demand in electricity we have avoided system alerts this winter thanks to favourable weather conditions; interconnection support from UK; significant generation plant maintenance delivered last summer; batteries; and peak demand reduction efforts. Similarly, we have had no interruption to our gas and oil supplies.
In electricity, margins are expected to remain tight throughout this year. The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this and next winter and lower peak demand during these periods.
Looking forward, my Department is working on an Energy Security Package which seeks to address the energy security challenges facing Ireland with a range of new and existing actions. This Package is made up of five pillars including the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and gas systems, the McCarthy Report (an independent review of the security of electricity supply), the next steps for the National Energy Security Framework, oil security of supply and the Climate Action Plan.
89. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if current Government policy which sees large tracts of the State licensed for mining for rare elements and minerals in order primarily to facilitate the electrification of the private car fleet is sustainable or environmentally sound; if any reappraisal of the one million EV targets would result in a changed policy with regard to licensing mining operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19785/23]
View answerThe majority of exploration in Ireland is focused on zinc, which is utilised primarily for galvanising steel, as well as the manufacture of alloys for die casting and brass. Galvanised steel is used in wind turbines, in housing and construction and the bodies of cars, irrespective of the means of propulsion. The exploration for zinc, therefore, is not driven by the need to electrify the private car fleet.
The Government published a Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining on 7th December 2022, which sets out the key principles and priorities that will guide the regulation of these activities. Central to the policy is that minerals must be extracted in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, enforced by strong legislation. This is irrespective of the end use of the minerals.
While there are currently 408 prospecting licences in place, there are just 14 extant mining licences or leases in Ireland. Prospecting Licences only permit the undertaking of exploration activities, including geological mapping, geochemical sampling and ground geophysical surveys. These activities are temporary and involve minimal disturbance. No mining is permitted to take place under the Prospecting Licences.
It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that large tracts of land are licensed for mining.
90. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to respond to recommendations 72 and 73 relating to energy production under section 1.10 of the Report from the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19850/23]
View answerGovernment is commitment to supporting the continued growth in renewable energy technologies to enable Ireland to reach its target of 80% of electricity demand from renewables by 2030 and support the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. I therefore welcome the publication of the report of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and am grateful to members of the Assembly for their dedication and commitment to the process.
The Assembly agreed 159 recommendations, including 73 high level and 86 sectoral specific recommendations, reflecting the depth and breadth of the topics discussed. The recommendations of the Assembly will now be deliberated by the relevant committee in the Houses of the Oireachtas, as is outlined in the Motion brought before the Houses to call the Assembly.
Questions Nos. 91 and 92 answered orally.
93. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ireland is on track to meet the goal of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable energy by the end of the decade. [19715/23]
View answer96. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the supports for renewable energy under the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10259/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 96 together.
Ireland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, owing mainly to the construction of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the electricity grid. Ireland is ranked in the top five countries in the world for installed wind power capacity per capita and is a world leader in the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid.
While the National Development Plan Review committed to increasing the share of renewable electricity to up to 80% by 2030, the recent Climate Action Plan Update, CAP 23, strengthened this by committing Ireland to achieving 80% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and to reach 22 GW of installed renewable electricity generation capacity by 2030.
This will require unprecedented levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the main Government policies to deliver this renewable generation capacity, which led to 2022 being a record year for renewable sources being connected to the grid. The second RESS auction is expected to deliver an increase of nearly 20% in Ireland’s renewable electricity generation by 2025. The third RESS auction and first Offshore RESS auction are being held this year, with further auctions to be held in line with the RESS auction calendar.
The Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) allows domestic and non-domestic applicants to receive funding to produce and consume their own electricity. Since 2018, the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for close to 19,000 homes. Over 10,000 applications were received in 2022 and close to 4,000 applications have been received to end March this year.
The Small-Scale Generation Scheme (SSGS) is in development and is expected to be launched later this year, with the aim of supporting renewable electricity generators who are too large for the MSS but too small for the RESS. The SSGS will also provide a simpler route to market for community projects.
EirGrid are currently updating ‘Shaping Our Electricity Future’, their roadmap to delivering the renewable electricity projects required to meet our 2030 targets. Significant investment is expected during this transition, with €4 billion capital investment allocated for the period 2021-2025.
94. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he plans to publish and implement the national hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19898/23]
View answer121. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when Ireland will develop a national strategy on the use of ammonia and hydrogen fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19630/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 121 together.
Hydrogen, including hydrogen based fuels and derivatives, provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long duration energy storage, dispatchable renewable electricity, the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing and a potential export market opportunity, given Ireland's offshore renewable energy potential. The Government has committed to targeting an initial 2GW of floating offshore wind, which will include projects available for green hydrogen production and other non-grid uses.
A hydrogen strategy for Ireland is being developed, with an anticipated completion timeline of Q2 2023. This strategy will set out the need for a robust safety and regulatory framework to be in place, as well as the need to ensure licensing and permitting procedures are in place to enable sustainable indigenously produced green hydrogen supply chains to develop.
95. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in upgrading the Irish electricity transmission system to carry the proposed wind energy output, onshore and offshore, due to come on stream by 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19772/23]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas, and not me as Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
The CRU is responsible for, inter alia, the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks, for distribution, and EirGrid, for transmission. The cost of building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system is recovered by system operators through charges on customers, all of which is overseen and agreed with the CRU. System operator spending is agreed with the CRU in five year cycles, referred to as Price Reviews.
EirGrid is currently updating its Shaping our Electricity Future as a roadmap for the transmission grid out to 2030 necessary to deliver the renewable electricity target. Separately, EirGrid also publishes annually a 10 year Transmission Development Plan, which presents EirGrid’s view of the future electricity transmission network needs. All of this is done under the supervision of the independent regulator, CRU.
EirGrid is independent of the Minister in the exercise of its functions as Transmission System Operator. The matters raised in this question are operational matters for both Eirgrid, in the first instance, and the CRU and therefore not a matter in which I have function.
97. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the rollout of highspeed broadband in County Carlow. [19739/23]
View answerI have read the final report of the Citizens Assembly on biodiversity loss and I welcome its call for prompt, decisive and urgent action to ensure future generations will have a safe, clean and healthy environment with greater biodiversity.The Programme for Government committed to a Land-use Review to optimise land use across key Government objectives such as improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes. The first phase of the Land-use Review, which focused on evidence gathering, was published by Government in March. It consists of 10 documents and 19 recommendations indicating the need for more monitoring, enhancing of our mapping capability and better application of these tools to inform decision-making. The second phase will be focusing optimising land-use across socioeconomic and environmental outcomes as committed to in the Programme for Government, including setting out preliminary policy options for consideration by Government. It will commence shortly, and will consider the evidence from the first phase, as well as new evidence such the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss report, in addition to holding an extensive stakeholder consultation process.
98. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the review of the Security of Energy Supply of Ireland's Electricity and Natural Gas Systems; when will this report be published; what policy statement will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19778/23]
View answerThe Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas sets out that pending the outcome of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, it would not be appropriate for Ireland to permit or proceed with the development of any LNG terminals. The review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and gas systems is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition up to 2050. A range of measures to mitigate the risks identified as part of the review were examined in the technical analysis accompanying the Department's consultation document published in September 2022. My Department received over 450 submissions from a broad range of individuals and organisations in response to the consultation. The consultation responses were reviewed and analysed, and they have provided important insights on a number of aspects such as risks, mitigation options and policy measures. I will bring recommendations arising from the review to Government in Q2 for their consideration.
99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends introducing legislation equalising the standing charge for domestic electricity between urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19773/23]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation and has statutory responsibility for the compliance by energy suppliers with their consumer protection obligations. The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including the matters raised by the Deputy, is solely a matter for the CRU. In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. Within a competitive environment, providers also have costs such as staffing, Tax, infrastructure, and cost of Network Tariffs which in turn affects end users’ bills. CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
Question No. 100 answered orally.
