Written Answers Nos. 104-129
104. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding provided to each local authority under the Community Climate Action Programme; the projects within each local authority that have been funded under the Programme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14448/24]
View answerThe Community Climate Action Programme aims to support community climate action projects and initiatives, as well as capacity building, over a number of years. The first phase of the Community Climate Action Programme will see more than €30 million from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) invested in supporting communities across the country to run direct climate action projects and initiatives under Strand 1/1a, as well as capacity building under Strand 2. €24 million is to be allocated across all 31 Local Authorities. Projects have not yet been selected for funding under strand 1/1a. The evaluation of these projects for selection is currently in progress.
Under Strand 2, €5 million of the Programme was allocated for education, capacity building and learning by doing projects. There are 19 projects currently in delivery under this programme, run by Pobal. Strand 2 also saw the Creative Climate Action Programme move to its second phase of funding of over €2.5 million for 39 projects approved in July 2023. These are currently being implemented with a completion target of 2025. 14 projects from Phase 1 of the Creative Climate Action Programme, which saw €1 million allocated from the Climate Action Fund, are now complete.
A breakdown of the projects within Local Authorities that have received funding or partnered with a project receiving funding from the CAF is set out below:
Creative Climate Action:
|
Local Authority |
Project |
Funding |
|
Cork City Council |
The KinShip Project |
€ 55,395.00 |
|
Dublin City County Council |
Crumlin Taking Action Together |
€ 75,000.00 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Decarbonising Together |
€ 59,444.75 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
ACT Waterford |
€ 77,500.00 |
Please note that these Local Authorities were partners in these projects and only received a portion of the overall funding.
Pobal:
|
Local Authority |
Project |
Funding |
|
Sligo County Council |
Atlantic Technological University |
€456,477.75 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
Energy Communities Tipperary Cooperative Company Limited by Guarantee |
€63,318.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Foodcloud |
€498,056.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Gaelic Athletic Association |
€100,000.00 |
|
Waterford County Council |
GIY Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee |
€200,000.00 |
|
Mayo County Council |
Leave No Trace (Ireland) |
€92,779.49 |
|
Dublin City Council |
National LGBT Federation Company Limited By Guarantee |
€99,293.00 |
|
Galway County Council |
National University of Ireland (Galway) |
€499,995.95 |
|
Dublin City Council |
National Women's Council of Ireland |
€499,502.50 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Rotha |
€100,000.00 |
|
Meath County Council |
Sonairte the National Ecology Centre Company Limited By Guarantee |
€76,755.00 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
South East Energy Agency Company Limited By Guarantee |
€74,085.00 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
Street Feast CLG |
€271,533.00 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
Sustainable Ireland Cooperative Society Ltd. |
€99,602.00 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG |
€99,835.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
The Bohemian Football Club Company Limited by Guarantee |
€500,000.00 |
|
Galway County Council |
The Irish Local Development Network Company Limited By Guarantee |
€499,646.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
The Rediscovery Centre Company Limited By Guarantee |
€447,980.00 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment |
€212,750.00 |
Please note that these Local Authorities were partners in these projects and may only received a portion of the overall funding.
105. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his officials in the Inland Fisheries Division fully support the repugnant position of conserving and validating the presence of invasive/non-native freshwater fish such as pike in Lough Corrib SAC due to potential angling tourism revenue; if Fáilte Ireland has a veto over the application of the EU Habitats Directive when promoting catch and release angling for invasive/non-native freshwater fish present in Lough Corrib SAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14492/24]
View answerAs previously reported to the Deputy, as Minister, I am concerned with the threat posed by the presence and spread of all non-native invasive fish species in Irish waters including that of Lough Corrib (SAC) and the impact they pose to our native fish populations' species and our ecosystems.
No organisation has a veto over the application of the EU Habitats Directive, which Ireland, like all Member States, is obliged to implement.
The management of any species in a particular fishery is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any function. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to operational matters can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
106. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide cá mhéad uair a pléadh ina Roinn an Ghaeilge i bhforbairt Re-turn, agus cad iad na coinníollacha a leag sé síos lena chinntiú go mbeadh an Ghaeilge san áireamh i seirbhísí Re-turn. [14595/24]
View answer107. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide cén fáth nach bhfuil an tseirbhís Re-turn ach i mBéarla amháin, i limistéir Ghaeltachta san áireamh, agus cén fáth gur theip ar Re-turn seirbhís as Gaeilge a chur ar fáil in aon ceann dá innill nó in aon chuid dá mhargaíocht in áit ar bith sa tír, agus an nglacann sé leis go bhfuil sé sin ag teacht salach ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla agus ar an gClár Rialtais maidir leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn, ina ngealltar limistéir Ghaeltachta a chosaint agus a chaomhnú lena chinntiú go mbeidh siad i gcroílár na teanga beo i gcónaí, agus cé na céimeanna atá á nglacadh aige chun an cás a cheartú [14596/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
Baineann Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla le comhlachtaí poiblí, lena n-áirítear ranna agus oifigí rialtais; Údaráis Áitiúla; Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte (FSS); ollscoileanna; na Boird Oideachais agus Oiliúna agus institiúidí tríú leibhéal eile; gníomhaireachtaí, boird agus cuideachtaí stáit (tráchtála agus neamhthráchtála). Níl Re-Turn, ar eintiteas neamhbrábúis é arna bhunú ag tionscal deochanna na hÉireann, faoi réir an Achta.
Tá an fhaisnéis uile atá ar fáil ar an Scéim Éarlais agus Tabhair Ar Ais (DRS) ar www.gov.ie ar fáil i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla. Tá mo Roinn tiomanta do bheith ag obair le Re-turn chun a chinntiú go bhfuil a gcuid cumarsáide poiblí chomh inrochtana do chainteoirí Gaeilge agus is féidir.
Níl áirítear aon cheanglas conarthach ar Re-turn ina bhformheas faoi rialacháin DRS. Ina ainneoin sin, tá an cuideachta ag déanamh socrú chun go n-aistreofar a bpríomhthreoir do chustaiméirí agus do ghnólachtaí go 10 dteanga, lena n-áirítear Gaeilge. Tá sé seo ar fáil anois.
Is ceist don mhiondioltóir a rinne infheistíocht sa mheaisín é teanga comheádain Meaisíní Díolacháin Ar Ais. Tá an Roinn sásta a bheith obair le chéile le Re-Turn chun infhaighteacht agus infheictheacht na Gaeilge a fheabhsú i ngach gné den Scéim amach anseo.
108. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current situation regarding the bye law banning the fishing of eels in the country which has not been renewed by the Minister since 2018; if the ban on eel fishing remains in place; and if not, if it is currently subject to review. [14617/24]
View answerThe EC Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 of 18 September 2007 established measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel and required Ireland to establish eel management plans for implementation in 2009. The existing conservation measures in Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) agreed by the EU under EC Regulation 1100/2007 remain in place.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the statutory authority for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources concluded a comprehensive public consultation process on Ireland's Eel Management Plan as part of the 2012, 2015 and 2018 reviews, under EU Council Regulation 1100/2007. The next review is due in 2024.
In September 2023 at an interagency and interdepartmental meeting of the relevant bodies (IFI, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Loughs Agency, D/AFM, D/ECC, Marine Institute) to evaluate the National Eel Management Plan, agreement was reached to focus on full implementation of the Eel Regulation to ensure the establishment of measures for the recovery of the stock of European Eel. A new draft Bye-Law which will continue to ban the fishing of eels in the country whilst further strengthening the conservation measures of European Eels in Ireland has been drafted and is currently being finalised for issuing.
109. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the problems being experienced in areas such as Cherrybrook, Ardee, County Louth, where infrastructure/ducting deficits prevent homes from accessing commercial fibre broadband services through the recognised providers; if he will consider a 'gap funding' model to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/24]
View answer110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 79 of 7 March 2024, if he is aware that millions of euro have gone unclaimed as part of the deposit return scheme (details supplied); how much has gone unclaimed since the scheme first started; what these unclaimed funds will be used for; how the deposit return scheme is monitored and regulated; what measures he is taking to increase the number of bottles returned as part of the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14632/24]
View answerSince the Deposit Return Scheme went live on 1 February over 30m containers have been returned and over €5m has been refunded. Daily return rates are regularly exceeding 1m containers and are expected to continue to rise.
As consumers who have been charged a deposit can get the deposit back, regardless of when it was purchased, a reasonable period of time is required to measure return rates in a meaningful way. Re-turn retains an open-ended liability to refund the deposit.
The EU requires member states to ensure by 2027 that 77% of plastic bottles are separately collected for recycling, rising to 90% by 2029. For these purposes, Ireland’s performance will be measured over the course of a calendar year. Until a full 12 months of the scheme has been completed, return rates will be indicative only. It will take time for more meaningful metrics to emerge. For now, I am satisfied that the engagement rate compares favourably with similar schemes abroad at this stage of introduction.
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is regulated by the DRS Regulations (SI No. 33 of 2024). In accordance with those Regulations, formal monitoring mechanisms of the scheme operator, Re-turn, are in place to ensure compliance with the terms of its approval to operate. My Department and Re-turn are monitoring all operations closely and I receive regular updates.
While I fully expect the Scheme to meet its target, 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. Unredeemed deposits will be retained by Re-turn to fund the operations of the DRS and to promote circular economy initiatives.
111. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there was any engagement with retailers and the hospitality sector prior to the introduction of the deposit return scheme on the additional card transaction charges and banking charge fees incurred as a percentage of the value of the transaction; if any analysis was conducted as to how much card merchants and banks will profit from the additional charges at the expense of the retail and hospitality sector; his plans to address this factor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14646/24]
View answerThe acceptance of cards as a method of payment is a business decision for each retailer.
In developing the Deposit Return Scheme, my Department engaged extensively with all stakeholders. This included two public consultations, the first in October 2020 and a second in April 2021. No submissions relating to this issue were made.
112. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to review correspondence regarding SEAI waiting times (details supplied); if he will address the points raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14675/24]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €25,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record budget allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme. However, individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as Minister I have no function in relation to such applications.
Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI and homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. Given the very high levels of demand in recent years SEAI advise that it can take 8-10 months from date of application to the pre-works BER assessment.
Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
113. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 5 March 2024, if, given that the December 2022 mining policy states that no damage may be done to the environment and its protection is “paramount”, he can cite any location where lithium has been mined without severe damage to the environment. [14684/24]
View answer114. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 5 March 2024, if he will comment on how, in its literature the company states that it will remove the settled rock sediment from the drilling site ‘for appropriate disposal’, by saying this acknowledges that its drilling has produced material which is now in a toxic or dangerous state - otherwise why should it have to be removed. [14685/24]
View answer115. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 5 March 2024, if he will assert that a drilling, two rigs working 12 hours a day, six days a week, will not damage the amenities (details supplied). [14686/24]
View answer116. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 5 March 2024, if, given that in the response he mentions “working with Member States and stakeholders”, he considers that people who live and work in mining/prospecting areas are not stakeholders and that their water supply could be compromised. [14687/24]
View answer117. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 5 March 2024, the reason the Government is favouring the mining of lithium with its many problems over development of truly sustainable systems. [14688/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 to 117, inclusive, together.
Mineral exploration activities in Ireland operate within a framework of Irish and EU legislation, including those implemented to ensure environmental, including water quality, protection. All exploration activities must be undertaken in a manner avoiding damage to the environment and amenities of the Licensed Area and avoiding or minimising disturbance of residents.
All Prospecting Licence (PL) applications are made to the Geoscience Regulation Office (GSRO) of my Department in a prescribed manner, including provision of information on the proposed work to be carried out, the area of interest, and the mineral for which the company wishes to explore. In the event that drilling is proposed, the activity will be subject to detailed environmental screening assessments which are undertaken by environmental consultants on behalf of the Geoscience Regulation Office. A surface and groundwater risk assessment was carried out on the drilling area in Moylisha by the GSRO’s external environmental consultants to determine the level of risk posed by drilling and the risk to surface and groundwater was found to be low for a number of stated reasons.
GSRO staff would carry out site inspections during drilling operations. On completion of any drilling the site must be restored to the conditions prior to commencement, or as close thereto as possible. To do this, any waste produced must be removed and accordingly the settled rock sediment, which are drill cuttings produced as a standard by-product of drilling, would be removed from the drilling site. The company has stated that the relevant drill cuttings would be captured using a Solid Removal Unit and collected in an onsite skip, before removal to a licensed disposal site.
The company has stated that the Wicklow Way trail public access routes would not be closed during operations. However, due to proximity of some drill pads to the public trails, barricades might be erected around the drill rig for safety reasons, but this would not purposely or actively close off any public trails.
Traffic volume arising from prospecting is not likely to be significant, with an articulated lorry required to transport the drilling rigs to and from the site at the start and end of the drilling campaign. Thereafter, on average, just two standard vehicles (for example pick-up trucks) would transport drillers and company geological staff to the general drilling area on a daily basis. Very short temporary blockage of the local road might occur during the two separate days of mobilisation and de-mobilisation of the rigs gear, to facilitate rig movement on or offsite.
A key priority set out in the Government’s Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining is building public understanding and trust in relation to mineral exploration and mining activities, requiring public engagement to identify and address any concerns about the mineral sector and how it interacts with local communities. Going forward, stakeholder and public consultation and engagement will be important in contributing to the implementation of the Policy Statement, which also reflects discussions of the Minerals Exploration and Mining Advisory Group comprising representatives of the environmental, geoscientific, industry and social pillars, as well as departments and regulators. Providing that mechanism for a larger number of stakeholders with an interest in mineral exploration and mining will open up the possibility to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.
Sourcing, processing and recycling critical raw materials in Europe and securing supply chains are necessary for the EU to meet its climate and digital objectives. The finalised EU Critical Raw Materials Act due in 2024, will address European supply issues at all levels including mining, refining, processing and recycling; and associated environmental protections and public engagement at each stage. Lithium has been identified as a critical raw material in the 2023 list of critical raw materials for the EU due to its importance in the green energy transition, taking into account the IEA’s prediction of clean energy technologies’ share of total demand rising significantly over the next two decades to almost 90% for lithium.
118. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the spending on programmes under subheading B4 as part of the revised estimates for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14703/24]
View answerMy 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.
A record capital funding allocation of €437.2 million has been provided to SEAI in 2024 to support the residential and community energy efficiency upgrade schemes. This includes a record capital funding allocation of almost €210 million provided to the Warmer Homes Scheme (which includes funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)) so that more households at risk of energy poverty can avail of fully funded energy upgrades.
Figures from the SEAI show that, at the end of the first quarter 2024, €80.6 million capital funding has been drawn down which has supported 11,702 home energy upgrades, representing an 18% increase on output on the same period last year. Of this amount, 4,479 homes achieved a B2 Building Energy Rating up 36% on the same period last year.
Under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme 1,182 free upgrades for energy poor homes were supported at the end of the 1st Qtr. This represents a 25% increase in free upgrades provided versus 2023.
A breakdown of the spending on programmes under subheading B4 for Q1 2024 is provided in the table below:
|
SEAI Scheme |
SEAI drawdown under subhead B4 for Qtr 1 2024 (to end March) €M |
|
Better Energy Homes |
12.47 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
36.69 |
|
Community Energy Grants |
8.41 |
|
National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (OSS) |
4.74 |
|
Deep Retrofit |
0.13 |
|
Solar PV incl solar for medically vulnerable |
16.92 |
|
Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) |
0.11 |
|
BER Supports |
0.37 |
|
Community Activation Fund (CAF) |
0.77 |
|
Total |
€80.61 |
119. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the current progress of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14724/24]
View answerI established the cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce in April 2022 in order to accelerate and drive delivery, and to capture the wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of Offshore Renewable Energy in Ireland. Since the establishment of the Taskforce, significant progress has been made across Government towards the delivery of offshore wind. Maritime Area Consents were awarded to Phase One offshore wind projects in December 2022, and four of these projects were subsequently successful in ORESS1, Ireland’s first offshore wind auction, held in Q2 2023. The unsuccessful projects in this auction now have a time-limited opportunity to secure alternative routes to marketIn March 2023, I published the Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind, providing certainty that future offshore wind development will take place in designated areas. The first of these designated areas, the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) Proposal was published in July, and was followed by an intensive period of local engagement with coastal communities and other maritime users. The results of this engagement will feed into the formal DMAP later this year. ORESS 2.1 will provide a route to market for the first development area in the South Coast DMAP, and in November 2023 the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce published an indicative roadmap outlining a timetable towards this auction, scheduled for Q4 2024. The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) was established in July 2023, a significant milestone in the State’s stewardship of the maritime area. The launch of MARA coincided with the publication of the first output of the Seafood-ORE Group, agreeing a Communications Protocol between the two sectors.Last month, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment published Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy. This strategy aims to build a successful, vibrant and impactful offshore wind energy industry in Ireland, ensuring that the sector creates as much value as possible throughout Ireland and maximises the economic benefits associated with the development of offshore wind. The groundwork has also been laid for significant policy announcements this year, including the preparation of the Future Framework for post-2030 offshore wind deployment. The Taskforce has met on 14 occasions to date, with the next meeting scheduled for early June. Further information on the Taskforce, including its Terms of Reference, membership and minutes of meetings held, is available on gov.ie.
120. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the immediate measures that are in place to ensure that the residents of Ardee, and similar communities who are awaiting fibre broadband, are not left behind in our national effort towards digital inclusivity; how he plans to hold accountable those responsible for the delivery of these services; what measures are being implemented to prevent such discrepancies in broadband access in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14760/24]
View answer121. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the low-interest loans for retrofitting; when an interest rate will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14762/24]
View answerIn order to assist with the achievement of our retrofit targets, the Programme for Government, Climate Action Plan and the National Retrofit Plan committed to the introduction of a new residential retrofit low-cost loan scheme.
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. An agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group underpinning the new Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was announced in October 2023.
The €500 million scheme is the first of its kind for both Ireland and the EIB. Homeowners will be able to borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to 10 years. The interest rates will be significantly lower than those currently available on the market as a result of the combination of the EIB Group loan guarantee and a Government-funded interest rate subsidy.
The Home Energy Upgrade loans will help reduce the financial challenges for many homeowners and will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, making their homes warmer, cheaper to run and helping to lower emissions. It will also signal to the banking sector, new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy.
It is anticipated that the loans will be available in the coming weeks through participating retail lenders. Further details regarding the available interest rates will be made available upon Scheme launch.
122. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to introduce any restrictions in regard to the pricing model being used by broadband and mobile phone service providers who impose annual price rises that are linked to the rate of inflation, plus a certain set percentage, at the same time each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/24]
View answer123. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current annual budget allocation to the stop food waste section of the EPA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14853/24]
View answerThe EPA sets out its own Work Programme and associates budgets against each activity and my Department has no function with regard to those determinations.
I suggest the Deputy should contact the EPA directly in respect of their 2024 budget for Stop Food Waste.
124. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the case of a location (details supplied) will be examined, whereby a house is not included in the National Broadband scheme due to its location, but it has extremely slow broadband speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14889/24]
View answer125. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 697 of 19 February 2008 and 123 of 5 March 2024, the current position regarding the ownership of the site on which the GPO stands; if ground rent is being paid for that site and to who; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14988/24]
View answerThe site on which the GPO is built is owned by the State and comprises the GPO building and a number of adjoining commercial premises on which ground rent is charged and paid. In respect of the GPO building itself, there is a licence agreement in place, effective from 1st January 1984, which provides for occupancy of the tenant, An Post, for a term of fifty years. The licence provides also for a nominal annual rent of IR£1 which, to date, has not been collected.
126. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the decline in wild salmon and sea trout stocks in Irish (and international) waters, including in Kenmare Bay and Ballinskelligs Bay, over recent decades.
My focus, and that of inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), as the statutory authority for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources, is on conservation and sustainability of the resource.
Ireland has long been internationally recognised for embedding the conservation imperative as a vital component of our management of the precious salmon resource. While the policy has served us well for more than a decade, I intend, as part of a broader inland fisheries policy review to set out options for improvement, with an even greater focus on conservation, in our management regime and for modernising licensing requirements, to ensure access to the resource where its conservation and biodiversity needs are met.
Aquaculture policy and regulation is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and one in which I do not have a function.
127. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will advise on the source of matched funding for the Just Transition Fund (details supplied); advise in a scenario where the Government should decide to increase funding, would this match funding come from the same source or another source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15043/24]
View answerIreland's EU Just Transition Fund Programme and Territorial Just Transition Plan were approved by the Government and by the European Commission in December 2022. The amount of funding provided to the programme by the EU has been set at €84,466,694. This funding will be available until 2027, in line with the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2021 to 2027. As a co-financed programme, the EU funding will be matched by national funding provided by the Exchequer. This brings the total funding available under the programme to €168,933,388.
All expenditure under the Programme is initially funded by the Exchequer, and the EU contribution is reimbursed in line with incurred expenditure, in accordance with EU rules. Funding under the programme is allocated to a number of different Departments each year through the Estimates process in accordance with the Programme requirements. In addition to my own Department, the four Departments receiving funding are the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; and the Department of Transport.
128. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to combat the price increases across mobile and broadband providers; if these increases are consistent with price gouging practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15054/24]
View answer129. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what actions are being taken by his Department to ensure An Post complies fully with the terms of section 46 of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs Act 1983 in providing the correct pension entitlements to retired employees (details supplied). [15137/24]
View answerUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
