Tuesday, 25 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 185-212

Energy Policy

Questions (185)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

185. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the energy regulator stating that it has no function in dealing with former customers of a company (details supplied) which left the Irish energy market earlier this year, leaving many pre-paid customers, who were in credit, owed significant sums of money by the company; the steps that he proposes to take to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52921/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) process is managed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as part of its responsibility for the regulation of the retail gas and electricity markets as assigned under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation.

The primary statutory objective of this process is to protect customers and to prevent any further potential impact on customers in the market place in the event that an electricity or gas supplier exits the market and ensure that customers’ electricity or gas supply is not interrupted. Under the process, all customers of exiting suppliers are transferred to thestandard tariff of the Supplier of Last Resort for electricity (Electric Ireland) or gas (BGE).

I understand that the duration of the SoLR term is determined based on a number of factors including: the volume of customers transferring; the requirement of SoLR to purchase additional energy in the short-term on the wholesale market; and the allowance of adequate time to facilitate the registering of customers and issuing of bills.

Any credit or debit that was built up between a customer and a supplier willnotbe passed on to the SoLR as unfortunately, the SoLR does not have access to the customer’s old supplier’s billing system and is therefore unable to quantify this.

These debits or credits are a matter between the customer and the exiting supplier, and the exiting supplier may provide a refund. Affected customers can contact the CRU customer care team on [e-mail] or 1800 404 404.

The CRU is accountable directly to the Oireachtas. Furthermore, the CRU has a dedicated email address where Oireachtas members can contact them directly [e-mail].

Electricity Supply Board

Questions (186)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

186. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of domestic electricity disconnections that have occurred due to non-payment of account in County Donegal in the first half of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53021/22]

Awaiting reply from the Department.

Energy Prices

Questions (187)

Michael Creed

Question:

187. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the details of the EU energy package; the way that this €40 billion redeployment of regional and structural funding will affect Ireland; the amount of financial support that will be available from this fund for Ireland; if this is additional support with energy costs for households will be additional to the Government announcements to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53032/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The European Commission proposals, published on 18 October, include the flexibility for Member States to reallocate up to 10% of cohesion funding for the period 2014-2020 to fund targeted, temporary and exceptional measures to face the challenges resulting from the current energy crisis.  

While this proposed flexibility may be of benefit to some Member States, Ireland has, taking account of a decision to use any available cohesion funds to meet the needs of Ukrainian refugees, already expended or decided how to allocate the limited available funds for this period. There is, therefore, no additional funding available for Ireland as a result of this proposal.  

Separately, the European Commission published the REPowerEU plan in May. This is a plan to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and fast forward the green transition. The REPowerEU plan proposes the provision of additional funding through the Recovery and Resilience Facility to finance investment in diversifying the energy mix of EU Member States.  

Earlier this month EU Finance Ministers have reached agreement at ECOFIN on the RePowerEU proposal, including the allocation of grant funding among EU Member States. Ireland’s allocation under the proposed methodology would be circa €90m.  

The Council agreement allows negotiations commence with the European Parliament, with the European legislation necessary to provide for such funding not expected to come into force until next year.  At that point, Ireland can amend its National Recovery and Resilience Plan to include any additional funding that may be available, taking account of Commission guidance due to be published next year. In the interim, my Department is considering potential proposals for funding under this mechanism with the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.  

I would note that Ireland’s current National Recovery and Resilience Plan has been approved by the European Commission. The objective of the plan is to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery effort, in a manner that complements and supports the Government’s broader recovery efforts. 42% of the plan will support climate investments and reforms.

Energy Policy

Questions (188, 189)

Joe Carey

Question:

188. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the sale and supply of bituminous coal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53035/22]

Joe Carey

Question:

189. Deputy Joe Carey 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. [53036/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.  

The new Solid Fuel Regulations will come into force on 31st October this year and will introduce minimum quality standards that will apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This will ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and will assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. New regulations on the use of solid fuels for domestic heating are necessary as each year some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland from illnesses which are caused or exacerbated by air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is further estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I remain committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge. 

There will be no period of grace for any solid fuel producer or retailer after the effective date of the regulations. In September 2021, I announced that the regulations would come into effect for the 2022/2023 heating season. I made the announcement at that time in order to allow retailers a sufficient period to run down existing stocks and plan accordingly for the introduction of the new regulatory framework. Over the past year, officials from my Department have also been working with retailer representative bodies to support the transition to the new regulations and have been running an awareness campaign for the past number of months to inform retailers and producers of their responsibilities. Transport of unapproved fuels will be prohibited under the new regulations, irrespective of where the fuel is being brought from. Under the regulations, specified records must be carried on any vehicle being used to transport solid fuel which must be presented to an authorised person if requested to demonstrate that the fuels concerned are in compliance with the regulations.   

Enforcement actions will be a matter for Local Authorities once the regulations are introduced. Initial enforcement efforts will focus on working with and helping those involved in the solid fuel industry in understanding and complying with their obligations under the new framework. Further information for both retailers and couriers is available at www.gov.ie/cleanair

Question No. 189 answered with Question No. 188.

Wind Energy Generation

Questions (190)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

190. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to the use of vertical-axis wind turbines throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53143/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department has developed a number of schemes to support the production of renewable energy towards Ireland’s 2030 goals. These schemes include the Renewable Energy Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), as well as the Small-Scale Generation Support Scheme (SSG) which is under design and is expected to become available next year Each scheme supports a range of established technologies, and eligibility criteria are kept under review to take account of new technologies as they emerge and become viable. The use of vertical-axis wind turbines would be a matter for each project, however vertical-axis wind farm technology is an emerging technology.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a unit that deals specifically with innovative technologies and a Wind Technology Collaboration Programme which specialises in innovations in wind generation. SEAI could be contacted regarding any specific recommendations from international experience as to how this technology can be deployed in Ireland.

Air Quality

Questions (191)

Thomas Gould

Question:

191. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that are being taken to improve air quality in Glanmire, County Cork. [53147/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I am currently progressing several measures designed to improve air quality across the country including the introduction of new solid fuel regulations, as previously agreed by Government, which will come into operation on 31 October. The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022) will introduce minimum quality standards that will apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This will ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and will assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. 

These regulations are necessary as each year some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland from illnesses which are caused or exacerbated by air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is further estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I am committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge, and the introduction of the new regulations will play a key role in this regard.

My Department will be running a public information campaign in relation to the new regulations and is also providing support to Local Authorities in terms of both enforcement and awareness raising.

The Clean Air Strategy will be also published in the coming weeks which will identify and promote the integrated actions across Government required to reduce air pollution.

In addition, the LIFE EMERALD project, which commenced in 2021, will use information from our national air quality monitoring network to provide a national 3-day air quality forecast and near real-time mapping of air pollutants throughout the country; as well as to create historical maps of air pollutants. The project will improve Ireland’s ambient air quality management capabilities, by using an air quality modelling system to gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to poor air quality and develop a system that will provide better information to the public.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (192, 193)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the Minister for Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in respect of reviewing and or amending planning guidelines or regulations in respect of SEAI-funded solar installation on houses; if his attention has been drawn to the requirement in some instances in which an applicant for solar installations must provide drawings and apply for planning permission to carry out works; his own plans to simplify the process from grant application to installation of solar on houses. [53306/22]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

193. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and or his officials will review the planning requirements for the installation of solar panels on houses. [53307/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together. Earlier this year, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, (DHLGH) in consultation with my Department, completed a review of the solar panel planning exemptions set out in the Planning and Development Regulations, with a particular focus on facilitating increased self-generation of electricity. Consequently, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 3) Regulations 2022 and the supporting Planning and Development (Solar Safeguarding Zone) Regulations 2022 came into effect on 5 October 2022. The regulations combine to provide updated provisions regarding planning exemptions for rooftop solar installations. Under the revised regulations the following is now allowed: Houses, regardless of location, may now install unlimited solar panels on their rooftops without any requirement for planning permission (subject to certain conditions). The 12sqm/ 50% roof limit which previously applied to houses has been removed nationwide. Exemptions also apply to rooftops of industrial buildings, business premises, community and educational buildings, places of worship, health buildings, libraries, certain public utility sites and farms Exemptions are subject to, among other things, minor setback distances from the edge of the roof and subject to general restrictions on exempted development including those regarding protected structures and Architectural Conservations Areas. These regulations aim to bring Ireland into line with the EU’s Solar Rooftops Initiative by making permitting procedures for installing solar on rooftops shorter and simpler. It supports a target of installing up to 380MW (approximately 1 million solar panels) of microgeneration capacity as part of Ireland’s overall solar targets under the government’s Climate Action Plan. With these new exemptions we are removing barriers and ensuring that individuals, communities, businesses and farms can generate their own electricity, reduce their own bills and play their part in creating a zero-carbon future fuelled by renewable energy.

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 192.

Energy Policy

Questions (194)

Carol Nolan

Question:

194. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the purchase of emergency generation capacity and mobile turbines; the total cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53316/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid and my Department. The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the forecasted shortfall. These actions include; procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side measures.

For the second tranche of c.450MW temporary generation, the level of financial support required via my Department to support EirGrid to meet the estimated upfront cost is €350 million in 2022 and two supplementary estimates to Vote 29 were given to facilitate this. This capital will be used by EirGrid to place orders on the units to ensure that they are produced and installed for Winter 2023/24. The ongoing operational costs will be administered from the Transmission Use of System (TUoS) network tariffs and spread out over the lifetime of the usage of the generation plant.

CRU have previously estimated that the total cost to consumers of the second tranche of c.450MW is approximately €40 per average domestic bill over the next billing year. However, this cost estimate does not take into account the resale value of the generation units and the end of the generation period in a few years’ time. This resale value could offer significant clawback of costs which would lower the cost to consumers in subsequent years.

Energy Prices

Questions (195)

Robert Troy

Question:

195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the CRU regarding energy companies increasing their standing charge at a time of unprecedented energy increases, and if he has plans to introduce legislation around the standing charge. [53330/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. 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 Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. 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. Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. 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.The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, to CRU at [e-mail] for timely direct reply.

Broadband Infrastructure

Questions (196)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

196. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when fibre broadband will be rolled out in Kyle, Cloughjordan, County Tipperary (details supplied); if the acquisition of National Broadband Ireland by a company will speed up this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53368/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie  The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.    I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 14 October 2022, over 97,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 87,700 premises passed across 25 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with or exceeding expectations. NBI has advised that over 5125 premises in County Tipperary are passed with a highspeed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection. 

The focus for NBI will continue to be on ensuring that the build programme is back on track and is building momentum month on month.

NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) 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. Some 758 BCP sites have been installed by NBI to date and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Tipperary 20 BCP’s have been installed to date. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/

In County Tipperary 32 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/

Broadband Infrastructure

Questions (197)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

197. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects to see fibre broadband rolled-out in urban and rural areas (details supplied) in County Tipperary in tabular form in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53369/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The NBP contract, which was signed on 19 November 2019, provides that a future proofed high-speed broadband network will be deployed by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to people living and working in the intervention area. It is expected that over 600,000 premises will be passed including new builds. I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 14 October 2022, over 97,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 87,700 premises passed across 25 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with or exceeding expectations. NBI has advised that over 5,125 premises in County Tipperary are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and are available for immediate connection. 

Further details are available on specific areas within County Tipperary through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, [e-mail], which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.

NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) 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. Some 758 BCP sites have been installed by NBI to date and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Tipperary 20 BCP’s have been installed to date.   Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/

In County Tipperary 32 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/

Energy Policy

Questions (198, 200)

Patrick Costello

Question:

198. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider withdrawing Ireland from the Energy Charter Treaty, noting that Italy has already withdrawn and Poland, Spain and the Netherlands recently announced that they will be withdrawing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53447/22]

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

200. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on Ireland’s position on the energy charter treaty, in view of the conclusion of the government of the Netherlands that it is incompatible with the Paris Agreement. [53570/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 200 together.  198 and 200 0 togetherIreland's current position remains to maintain its membership of the Energy Charter Treaty in the context of supporting the Agreement in Principle on the modernisation process to align the Treaty with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the environmental concerns integral to it while having regard to the benefits to international energy security that it may provide, particularly at a time when energy security has been threatened. Ireland therefore awaits the outcome of the final stages of the modernisation process towards adoption at the Energy Charter Conference in November, while reserving the option to support a co-ordinated withdrawal from the ECT should this effort fail and if considered appropriate by Government to achieve our national renewable energy and climate ambitions.

Energy Conservation

Questions (199)

Pauline Tully

Question:

199. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that persons who are in receipt of the blind pension and invalidity pension are not automatically eligible for a Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland fully-funded energy upgrade given the findings of a report (details supplied) commissioned by the Department of Social Protection; if he will consider a review of the grant to ensure that people receiving these payments automatically qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53562/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty. Eligibility for the Scheme is linked to receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments.

The eligibility criteria for the scheme were selected as they represented the Department’s view on those areas where the resources available to the scheme could have the greatest impact. They are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department.

I understand that the Blind Pension and the Invalidity Pension are qualifying payments for the Fuel Allowance, which is a means tested payment. Households can contact the Department of Social Protection to check whether they meet the relevant means test.

All information on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is available on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes.

Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 198.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (201)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

201. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions, if any, that have been taken to inform relevant bodies of their obligations under section 15 of the Climate Act 2021 as amended. [53571/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Section 15(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 includes provisions regarding the duties of relevant bodies. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies states that every State body should have due regard to its legal responsibilities and the objectives set by Government. Communications between my Department and such bodies often occur in contexts related to their obligations. For example, numerous relevant bodies have participated in the preparation of the upcoming Climate Action Plan 2023.

National Postcode System

Questions (202)

Holly Cairns

Question:

202. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to ensure that new Eircodes are assigned in a timely manner rather than in batches every few months. [53583/22]

Awaiting reply from Department.

National Postcode System

Questions (203)

Holly Cairns

Question:

203. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the provision of broadband will be ensured to residences that have not yet received Eircodes due to delays in the allocation system. [53584/22]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (204)

Joan Collins

Question:

204. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to date in the roll-out of fast charging points for electric vehicles across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53131/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. As you are aware, a draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy that will be published later this year, alongside an Implementation Plan.

Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.

However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.

On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new grants and initiatives have been launched and further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi .

Public EV charge points are provided in Ireland by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis. ZEVI is engaging with these charge point operators as key stakeholders in the delivery and roll-out of fast charging points across the country.

€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022.

In terms of progress ESB eCars have:

One hub of 4 High-Powered Chargers with 8 charging bays constructed, with 2 in progress. There is an overall target of 6 sites

One hub consisting of 2 High-Powered Chargers with 4 charging bays completed with a further 10 currently in design/construction.

16 hubs of 1 High-Powered Charger and 1 Fast Charger with 3 charging bays completed with a further 9 currently in design/construction.

Completed the upgrade of 40 Standard 22kW chargers to DC Fast 50kW chargers

Completed the replacement of 250 Standard 22kW AC chargers.

Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.

My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.

Bus Services

Questions (205)

Michael Lowry

Question:

205. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided to deliver a town bus service in Clonmel, County Tipperary, given that Clonmel is now included in the ten-minute town project and that providing a town bus service for Clonmel would help to reduce the dominance of cars entering the town centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53350/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (206)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

206. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the extension of the 404 Galway city bus route to Clarinbridge is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52693/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for decisions regarding the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the possible extension of the 404 Galway city bus route to Clarinbridge, to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

National Development Plan

Questions (207)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

207. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of priority projects in his Department under the national development plan. [52690/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The National Development Plan sets out the strategic investment priorities for each National Strategic Outcome and within each National Strategic Outcome for each relevant sector.

Updates in relation to the progress of individual projects and programmes can be found at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Investment Projects and Programme Tracker available at the link below. It contains specific information on the current status of projects including project lifecycle stage aligned with the updated Public Spending Code and also columns detailing expected project construction commencement and completion dates.

gov.ie - Investment Projects and Programmes Tracker (www.gov.ie)

I am clear that the overarching priority of my Department is to ensure timely delivery by our agencies of the projects and programmes contained within the National Development Plan.

Shannon Airport Facilities

Questions (208)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

208. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if an aircraft (details supplied) that arrived at Shannon Airport on 13 October 2022 and left on 14 October 2022, was approved to transport weapons or munitions through Shannon Airport; the details of any checks, inspections or inquiries carried out in this regard in respect of the aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52706/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Upon application for an authorisation, the air operator indicated that no weapons or munitions were on board of the aircraft in question. My officials sought further confirmation of this from the operator who in turn confirmed the nature of the cargo and as result, no further enquiries were deemed necessary.

Rail Network

Questions (209)

Chris Andrews

Question:

209. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will provide a list of DART stations with CCTV-monitored bicycle parking in tabular form. [52717/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue of DART stations with CCTV-monitored bicycle parking is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Departmental Data

Questions (210)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

210. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the “exceptional file” also known as the ghost file generated by his Department’s driver and vehicle computer services division; the number of disqualifications received from the Courts Service each year since 2017 that were inputted to the exceptional file due to the fact that the disqualification cannot be matched automatically to a driver on the national driver file database; the number of disqualifications on this exceptional file sent by his Department each year since 2017 to the RSA's outsourced agency (details supplied) in order to try to match the disqualification to a driver; the number of disqualifications on the exceptional file that were successfully matched to a driver each year since 2017 through this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52722/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Driving Disqualification court order information is sent from the Courts Service to the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS), operated by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). This information is then endorsed on driver records on the Department of Transport's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). This was a manual. postal process until recently but the information is now transferred electronically.

If a court order cannot be matched automatically against an Irish driver record, a manual search is carried out by the NDLS to attempt to match the record. In the event that a match cannot be found, a ‘shell’ record is created on the NVDF to track the court order. (The Department does not have a concept of an “exceptional file” or a “ghost file” although unmatched records are sometimes called “exceptions”)

A shell record is required for example to record a disqualification where the driver has a foreign driving licence or never held a Irish driving licence.

The number of distinct driver records that had driving disqualifications imposed based on court orders received from the Courts Service every year from 2017 to 2021 is as follows (Note: some driver records, including shell records, have had multiple disqualifications endorsed):

Number of Driver Disqualifications Imposed	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Irish Driver Record	6,747	7,051	7,576	5,415	6,419
Shell Record	1,878	2,154	2,557	1,744	2,195
Total	8,625	9,205	10,133	7,159	8,614
% Matched	78%	77%	75%	76%	75%

Legislative Measures

Questions (211)

Paul Murphy

Question:

211. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 1 March 2022, in which he advises that things are “progressing”, if he will outline the progress that has been made since this reply was supplied in March 2022; if he will provide a timeline for when legislation will be resolved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52759/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which pre-dates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical and so I am unable to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of this work. This is a complex issue which spans the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government, as well as consultations with several stakeholders. Regulations for horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward should be aligned with any horse welfare obligations imposed by local authorities and, therefore, horse-drawn carriages for hire and reward should be regulated by local authorities, which is the intention of the current draft primary legislation. However, once the current process of stakeholder engagement has been satisfactorily completed, I will seek Government approval for the detailed drafting of a Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill which is required before it can be introduced to the Oireachtas, with a view to its eventual enactment.

Animal Welfare issues are a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. As you will be aware, the Control of Horses Act 1996 allows local authorities to introduce by-laws designating certain areas as control areas for horses.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine announced in October 2020 that it had established a dedicated Animal Welfare Division which will take the policy lead on all matters concerning animal welfare, coordinating efforts across the Department, working with other Departments and Agencies, and with stakeholders and civil society. The Division is responsible for the roll-out and delivery of Ireland’s first stand-alone Animal Welfare Strategy - Working Together for Animal Welfare, 2021-2025. The strategy covers farmed and companion animals as well as wildlife. A detailed Action Plan on which that Department is taking the lead, complements the Strategy.

Departmental Staff

Questions (212)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

212. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons working in his Department’s press office, communications team and social media team in tabular form. [52791/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

There are ten positions with the Department of Transport’s Press and Communications Function.

Department of Transport Press and Communications Division
Press OfficeMedia RelationsSocial MediaDigital / Video Communications	5
External CommunicationsCitizen Information CampaignsWebsite AdministrationInternal CommunicationsCustomer Service Events	4
Head of DivisionStrategic Oversight and Management	1