Written Answers Nos. 91-117
91. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on targets for floating offshore wind off the west coast; to provide a breakdown of targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050; how this compares to targets in Scotland; how this compares to targets in Britain and the North of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20708/24]
View answerIreland has set ambitious targets for offshore renewable energy (ORE) deployment: 20GW by 2040 and at least 37GW by 2050. Government recognises that to achieve these ambitions all ORE technologies will play a vital role, including floating wind.
Unfortunately, floating wind does not yet exist at commercial scale. While there are many floating offshore wind projects proposed globally, there are only c.5 small-scale demonstrator projects operating worldwide, totalling c.220MW. It is prioritised that more competitive technology resources are maximised in the short-term, specifically fixed wind turbines, to meet Ireland’s 5GW by 2030 target while simultaneously preparing for floating wind technology to mature.
My Department recently published the Future Framework Policy Statement which sets a path to achieve the State’s long-term goals for ORE development including a suite of 29 actions. Action 1 of the Future Framework calls for a roadmap for future ORE development and targets for innovative technologies, including floating wind. The Future Framework also sets forth actions to accelerate a West Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan and to investigate Ireland’s floating wind potential at scale.
A critical component of floating wind development is ensuring affordability for Irish consumers while maintaining competitiveness with other jurisdictions. So far, the UK Government has committed to delivering 5GW of floating wind by 2030. While Government is committed to capitalising on Ireland’s vast floating wind resource, particularly off the west coast, care must be taken to minimise risk in Irish waters which have more extreme conditions compared to the UK.
92. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons who have been made redundant by Bord na Móna in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024; if there are plans to make additional people redundant in the coming weeks and months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20787/24]
View answer93. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons currently employed by Bord na Móna; and the average number employed in each of the past ten years. [20788/24]
View answerOperational matters relating to Bord na Móna are a matter for the Board and management of Bord na Móna and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role.
94. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has any plans to alter the structure of the SEAI retrofitting grant scheme to award the grants up front in order to provide security to homeowners around the process and incentivise uptake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20796/24]
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. The schemes offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty.
The Better Energy Homes Scheme allows homeowners to take a step-by-step approach or self-manage the project, while the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (One-Stop-Shop scheme) and the Community Energy Grant Scheme are aimed towards homeowners wishing to undertake a whole home energy upgrade to achieve a BER of at least B2 with a minimum primary energy uplift of at least 100 kWh/m2/year.
The schemes provide grant support for a range of energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings owned by private homeowners, private landlords and Approved Housing Bodies.
The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme both offer a start-to-finish project management service through registered One Stop Shops or Project Co-ordinators respectively. They apply for and draw down all SEAI grants for the project and deduct the grant values upfront from the cost of works meaning the costs incurred by homeowners are net of grant.
Under the Better Energy Homes homeowners have the options of:
Applying themselves and have the grant refunded once works are complete;
Applying themselves and have the grant paid to their contractor's bank account, who can choose to offer them a discount upfront; or,
Applying through a registered Energy Partner which will carry out the works for the homeowner and pass on the grant savings as a discount on the works. The Energy Partner can also help apply for low-cost government loans for the home energy upgrades via the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. Registered Energy Partners can be found listed on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/how-to-apply/energy-partners/
Options 2 and 3 above recognise that not all homeowners will have the funds available upfront to cover the total cost of the upgrade. SEAI are examining ways in which these processes can be further streamlined and scaled up.
95. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the projected fines to be imposed on Ireland by the European Commission between 2024 and 2030 for non-compliance with various directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20842/24]
View answerThe European Commission identifies possible infringements of EU law on the basis of its own investigations or following complaints from citizens, businesses or other stakeholders. Further information on the infringement process is available commission.europa.eu/law/application-eu-law/implementing-eu-law/infringement-procedure_en#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20EU%20treaties,which%20can%20impose%20financial%20sanctions.
There are a total of twelve such cases across my Department at present. One of these is on the European Electronic Communications Code. In March 2024, the CJEU imposed a lump sum fine of €4.5 million on Ireland for failure to transpose the European Electronic Communications Code Directive on time. Ireland is awaiting the formal request for payment from the Commission. Once received, Ireland will have 45 days thereafter to pay.
Officials from my Department are working with the Commission to resolve the outstanding infringements under the remit of this Department as expeditiously as possible. Accordingly, there are no projections of further fines.
96. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is considering a financial/subsidy response to allow the production of cost-competitive hydrogen through renewable energy, in view of recent announcements to do so by the UK and some of our European neighbouring countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20851/24]
View answerHydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long term storage of energy, the opportunity of dispatchable wind and solar power, the potential of chemical feedstocks, the potential of an export market and the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing. Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world and realising the full potential of this massive resource will be a major opportunity for Ireland, and for renewable hydrogen production. In response to the climate crisis and security of energy supply, we must look to accelerate the delivery of renewable electricity, and the delivery of alternative fuels like hydrogen.
The National Hydrogen Strategy was adopted in July 2023. It sets out the strategic vision on the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system, looking to its long-term role as a key component of a zero-carbon economy, and the short-term actions that need to be delivered over the coming years to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. One of the actions identified in the Strategy is to develop the commercial business models to support the scale up and development of renewable hydrogen, targeting surplus renewable grid electricity pre-2030 and an initial 2 GW of offshore wind from 2030. Work is taking place on this action in pace with the development of onshore and offshore wind power. “Powering Prosperity Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy” was adopted in March of this year and examines further the industrial opportunities that will come from abundant offshore wind and hydrogen technology. The commercial business models referred to in the Action will include financial incentives and subsidies as needed.
97. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has a strategy to attract large-scale investments into the production of hydrogen in Ireland; how this industry can be competitive as well as to meet our legal and EU obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20852/24]
View answerHydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long term storage of energy, the opportunity of dispatchable wind and solar power, the potential of chemical feedstocks, the potential of an export market and the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing. Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world and realising the full potential of this massive resource will be a major opportunity for Ireland, and for renewable hydrogen production. In response to the climate crisis and security of energy supply, we must look to accelerate the delivery of renewable electricity, and the delivery of alternative fuels like hydrogen.
The National Hydrogen Strategy was adopted in July 2023. It sets out the strategic vision on the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system, looking to its long-term role as a key component of a zero-carbon economy, and the short-term actions that need to be delivered over the coming years to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. One of the actions identified in the Strategy is to develop the commercial business models to support the scale up and development of renewable hydrogen, targeting surplus renewable grid electricity pre-2030 and an initial 2 GW of offshore wind from 2030. Work is taking place on this action in pace with the development of onshore and offshore wind power. “Powering Prosperity Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy” was adopted in March of this year and examines further the industrial opportunities that will come from abundant offshore wind and hydrogen technology and the actions that will be taken to secure these opportunities.
98. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the location and number of data centres, broken down by local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20878/24]
View answerThere is currently no official state register of data centres operating in Ireland. However, the largest users of energy on our electricity system, including the largest data centres, are connected to the transmission system, which is managed and operated by the Transmission System Operator, EirGrid.
EirGrid has informed my Department that EirGrid is not in a position to provide locations and numbers of data centres by local authority area, however EirGrid have provided the location and number of data centres connected to the transmission system, broken down by county.
|
Location (County) |
Number per County |
Project Stage |
|
Dublin |
14 |
11 x Connected3 x Contracted (due to connect by 2025) |
|
Louth |
1 |
Connected |
|
Meath |
1 |
Connected |
The numbers provided does not include data centres connected to the distribution system. It is not possible to provide for this information at this time. Article 12 of the recast EU Energy Efficiency Directive, sets out a requirement for data centres in EU Member States, with at least 500KW installed IT capacity, to report on selected information and key performance indicators to a public database, including location based on their local administrative unit code. This data will be made publicly available at an aggregated level following the transposition of the relevant Delegated Act into Irish law later this year.
99. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 21 March 2024, if, in relation to the purchase of a new mid-sized jet aircraft for Ministerial air transport, he will set out the timeline for the completion of this process; the number of tenders received to date; the closing date for tenders; if an advisory panel has been established to make recommendations on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20106/24]
View answerThe competitive process for the purposes of delivering a replacement aircraft for the Ministerial Air Transport Service is well advanced with the restricted Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) stage complete and a number of aircraft manufacturers having passed to the Invitation To Tender stage, which is ongoing at present.
A Civil Military Project Team comprising Officials from my Department and the Air Corps has been actively working on the delivery of this project and they are being supported by an external aviation expert Altea, with legal support being provided by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. The Project Team will evaluate the tender documents and will make recommendations for approval once the various stages of the procurement process have been completed.
As this competition is being conducted on a restricted basis with a procedure for negotiation under the Defence and Security Directive 81/2009/EC it is not appropriate at this stage of the competition to release information concerning the number of participants who have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the competition or to specify the exact timelines as to when that process will be complete. However, the intention is that the acquisition phase will be complete and an award of contract will be made this year.
100. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20237/24]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that in order for an individual to finalise their discharge, they must present in person to their home unit to complete the discharge procedure, in accordance with Defence Forces Regulations. This includes inter alia a discharge medical and settlement of any outstanding undertaking. The Defence Forces ordinarily do not discharge members in absentia.
101. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of employees within his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations; to outline, in tabular form, the length of time these employees have been under suspension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20310/24]
View answerThere are currently no employees within my Department or within bodies under the aegis of my Department who are suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations. The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board and its secretary is provided from the staff of my Department.
102. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the EU programmes or funds outside of the multiannual financial framework that Ireland has paid into from the year 2014 to date; any receipts from same, by programme or fund, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20351/24]
View answerThe Department of Defence contributes to the funding of common costs for EU military crisis management operations through the European Peace Facility (EPF) which lies outside of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The EPF, established in March 2021, replaced the off-budget Athena Mechanism and the off-budget African Peace Facility.
Under the EPF, the Department of Defence has responsibility for the financing of common costs relating to EU military operations under the EU's CSDP, which, prior to the EPF, were handled by the Athena Mechanism. The Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for the funding of African peace support operations, previously handled by the African Peace Facility, as well as EU Assistance Measures in order to provide assistance to individual countries and regional or sub-regional organisations.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the EPF has been utilised to provided assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Consistent with the terms of the Programme for Government, Ireland's share of Ukraine related assistance measures is being directed exclusively toward non-lethal support. The EU Military Assistance Mission (UAF) in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which provides training to Ukraine's Armed Forces is also funded via Member States contributions to the EPF.
Below is a table which illustrates Ireland's contributions by year to both the Athena Mechanism and the European Peace Facility (EPF) which succeeded it, covering the period 2014 to 2023. No payment has been made to date in 2024.
|
Year |
EPF/Athena |
Amount |
|
2023 |
EPF |
€6,242,351.02 |
|
2022 |
EPF |
€3,016,283.57 |
|
2021 |
EPF |
€1,894,812.07 |
|
2020 |
Athena |
€1,655,517.74 |
|
2019 |
Athena |
€1,064,928.58 |
|
2018 |
Athena |
€1,113,051.88 |
|
2017 |
Athena |
€731,325.20 |
|
2016 |
Athena |
€546,978.61 |
|
2015 |
Athena |
€570,758.25 |
|
2014 |
Athena |
€759,706.37 |
103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the first update report of the Strategic Framework on the Transformation of the Defence Forces, which was promised by March 2024; if the report has been completed to date; if the report has been published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20632/24]
View answerFollowing the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, fully understood by everyone, that has the appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, and is properly resourced.
The purpose of the Strategic Framework is to bring together into one overarching document, from the multiplicity of plans developed, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and that is providing a safe workplace where self-worth is actively promoted, mutual respect becomes a dominant feature and all members are treated with dignity in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
I published the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces in September 2023, and this document clearly sets out the actions to be delivered before the end of 2024 to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) and the Independent Review Group (IRG) Report. The Strategic Framework also sets out the actions to be delivered to support the recruitment to and retention of personnel to our Defence Forces, to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel and to make the legislative changes to underpin the transformation agenda.
While all the actions outlined in the Strategic Framework are important, my core priorities, as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, up to the end of 2024 are:
The specific actions to support cultural change within the Defence Forces are made. This will be implemented through a well-designed and expertly led culture change programme, led and driven convincingly from the leadership of the Defence Forces, and including initiatives grounded in the vision of the future Defence Forces. This will be monitored closely by the External Oversight Body.
That the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces are stabilised, and thereafter increasing the strength towards the level of ambition arising from the CoDF.
The implementation of an agreed policy for the application of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces.
To progress specific projects to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel including specific capability enhancements across all Services as set out in the CoDF.
To set up a new independent, external complaints service for serving members of the Defence Forces and a new complaints process for civilians and civil servants.
To introduce the legislative changes to support the transformation of the Defence Forces including the statutory underpinning for;
• The new high-level structures within the Defence Forces, and the consequential re-design of the governance and oversight framework for the new command structure;
• The new independent complaints mechanism; and
• The External Oversight Body.
To set up the Judge led Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
The actions set out in the Strategic Framework are being actively progressed and monitored. I am pleased with the progress made on each of the core priorities, further details of which will be outlined in the first update report of the Strategic Framework which will be published imminently. This will be followed by the publication of a Revised Strategic Framework for 2025 and beyond, which is due to be published at the end of this year.
104. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a person in County Meath (details supplied) can be issued with the transcript of his testimony to the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces; the process for applying for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20682/24]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question. My Department does not have access to the Independent Review Group's (IRG) records referenced by the Deputy. The management of these of these records in line with the National Archives Act is currently being finalised. If the individual wishes to seek access to their records they may contact the IRG secretariat directly at info@irgdf.gov.ie.
105. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if his policy allows for the production of sustainable aviation fuels and e-fuels in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20848/24]
View answer107. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when the task force on sustainable fuel aviation will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20853/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 107 together.
My Department is at the initial stages of SAF policy development and is working on a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap. While the European Regulation known as ReFuel EU Aviation has direct effect in Ireland, no additional formal policy proposals in relation to the deployment of SAF, or more specifically aviation e-Fuels, have been adopted.
To examine some of the challenges associated with the deployment of SAF, my Department established the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force (SAF TF) in Q4 of 2023. This Task Force brings together stakeholders with responsibility for, and interest in, policy development and implementation in relation to SAF. Membership of the Task Force includes relevant Government Departments and Agencies, airlines, airports, academia and representative bodies. The finalisation of the SAF Policy Roadmap is targeted for the end of year.
106. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport how Ireland will tackle the existing barriers to entry to meet its EU RED 3 environmental obligations for aviation and shipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20850/24]
View answerThe amendments to the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED) of 20 November 2023, are required to be implemented by mid-2025. The EU RED outlines that in order to meet the increased European target for greenhouse gas emissions savings, the level of renewable energy supplied to all transport modes - including aviation and maritime - in the Union should be increased.
Revised targets are set in the EU RED at a minimum of 29% renewable energy share in transport or 14.5% GHG reduction by 2030. A sub-target for supply of renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) and advanced biofuels and biogas (i.e. which are produced from the feedstock listed in Part A of Annex IX of the EU Renewable Energy Directive) is set at a combined minimum of 5.5% by 2030, with a minimum share of RFNBOs in transport of 1%.
Supporting the supply of renewable energy in transport, the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy sets out the pathway to the achievement of both Climate Action Plan targets and European obligations concerning sustainability and GHG reduction criteria. The EU RED requires Member States to place a mandate on fuel suppliers in order to achieve the EU RED targets. The renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) on fuel suppliers is provided for under Part 5A of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007.
I published the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2023-2025 in June 2023. The Policy sets out an indicative trajectory of annual increase in the RTFO rate, currently set at 21%, that is required to meet EU RED and domestic CAP decarbonisation targets. An indicative trajectory of annual increase in the advanced biofuel rate (currently at 1%), aligned to the RED sub-target for advanced biofuel, is also set out in the Policy.
A Department-led working group, established in 2023, is steering modelling and research concerning the projected demand for renewable fuel across the transport modes and the available supply of advanced renewable fuel and renewable fuels of non-biological origin to meet this projected demand, to assist in determining what can be done within the scope of the RTFO to further incentivise supply.
I also made regulations on the 31 March 2023 to authorise the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) to issue additional RTFO certificates for specified renewable transport fuels, where those fuels are supplied for use in specific transport modes, to incentivise their supply. The regulations became operational from 1 April 2023. Under the regulations additional RTFO certificates can be awarded for renewable transport fuel supplied for use in aviation and maritime transport.
My Department in consultation with the relevant stakeholders is considering the appropriate approach to implementation of the EU RED amendments as set out in the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2023-2025. Implementation of the EU RED amendments, extending to all fuel types and all modes of transport, will also align with the ReFuel EU Aviation Regulation (EU) 2023/2405, classified as “lex specialis”, and the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation (EU) 2023/1805. These Regulations have direct effect and are applicable across the EU.
The ReFuel EU Aviation Regulation mandates the increasing deployment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Union airports out to 2050. It obliges aviation fuel suppliers to supply aviation fuel containing increasing levels of SAF and synthetic aviation fuels. The mandated minimum share of SAF will start at 2% in 2025 and rise to 70% by 2050. From 2030, an increasing minimum share of this will need to be in the form of synthetic aviation fuel.
In addition, the recent revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), includes a mechanism that provides an incentive for SAF uptake by airlines through the provision of a total of up to 20 million free SAF allowances, serving to bridge some of the price differential between conventional jet fuel and that of SAF.
The Fuel EU Maritime Regulation aims to increase consistent use of renewable and low-carbon fuels and substitute sources of energy in maritime transport across the Union. It is technologically neutral and allows industry to plot the most cost-efficient pathway towards decarbonisation by imposing (from 1 Jan 2025) greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets on larger vessels, as well as imposing an onshore power supply (OPS) requirement for vessels (passenger ships and container ships over 5000 gross tonnage/GT) when moored at the quayside in a TEN-T port (from 2030).
From 1 January 2024 the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) was extended to cover CO2 emissions from larger vessels entering EU ports regardless of flag. The system will also include Methane and Nitrous Oxide from 2026. This system is putting a price on emissions and will help to close the price gap that currently exists between black and green fuels.
In addition to this, the revised IMO GHG Strategy, to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping, was adopted in July 2023 at the 80th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee. This strategy sets out an ambitious target of net zero GHG emissions from shipping by or around, i.e., close to, 2050, which will incorporate both a technical and an economic element.’
108. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he is looking at mechanisms that will grant incentives to target the production of e-fuels in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20860/24]
View answerMy Department continues to assess potential transport decarbonisation pathways and has recently established an inter-Departmental Alternative Fuels Working Group to coordinate action by stakeholders with policy responsibility for alternative fuels in transport (encompassing zero-emissions energy and fuel, renewable fuel, and low carbon fuels), as well as related infrastructure and vehicle technology for alternative fuels in transport, aligning with relevant national policy for future production of alternative fuels.
Last Friday, my Department also published an issues paper and call for submissions to inform the development of an updated national policy framework for alternative fuels infrastructure, following the recent adoption of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in transport (AFIR) which came into full application across all EU Member States from 13 April 2024.
Key questions posed in the issues paper include those seeking the views of wider transport and energy sector stakeholders on the future demand for alternative and advanced e-fuels in the land transport, aviation and maritime sectors, and seeking to identify what supporting measures should be established to meet the required infrastructural targets mandated under AFIR.
Submissions received on foot of the public consultation will inform the preparation of an updated National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport, in line with both AFIR and the significant evolution in national policy since the previous NPF was published in 2017. I intend to publish an updated draft policy framework for further consultation in the second half of 2024, with final policy frameworks required to be submitted to the EU Commission by 31 December 2025.
I note also that when supplied in the transport sector, e-fuels are known as renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) and can be awarded Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) certificates as an incentive to supply. While the RTFO incentivises supply, it is not intended as an incentive for production. Apart from when a small volume of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was imported in 2022, e-fuels have not been produced and supplied for use in the transport sector in Ireland.
More specifically in relation to synthetic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (or eSAF, as it is also commonly known), my Department is at the initial stages of SAF policy development and is working on the development of a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap. Government has not been asked to consider any policy proposal on SAF production as yet.
To examine some of the challenges associated with the deployment of SAF, my Department established the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force in Q4 of 2023. This Task Force brings together stakeholders with responsibility for, and interest in, policy development and implementation in relation to SAF. Membership of the Task Force includes Government Departments and Agencies, airlines, airports, academia and representative bodies.
Through engagement with this broad range of stakeholders and experts my Department aims to develop a fuller understanding of this emerging industry to enable the development of policy roadmap, We cannot pre-empt the outcome of this work at this stage.
However, it is important to note that while Government has committed significant funding to support low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund, direct electrification remains the priority decarbonisation technology for land transport, with e-fuels considered to hold greater potential in the harder-to-abate aviation and maritime sectors.
109. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann will introduce new rapid security response hubs throughout 2024; and if so, the locations in which these new hubs will be operational, in tabular form. [20165/24]
View answerAs 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 raised by the Deputy in relation to the introduction of new rapid response security hubs is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received the 2023 Annual Report and 2023 Audited Financial Statement from the Dublin Airport Authority; and if not, when his Department expects to receive same. [20166/24]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for his question. I can confirm that my Department has received the 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements for daa.
111. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport whether he has considered a charge-back card system where the electricity used at a public EV charging point could be charged back to the person’s domestic bill at the home tariff rate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20224/24]
View answerThe use of a charge back card system where the electricity used at a public EV Charge Point could be charged back to the person’s domestic bill at the home tariff rate is an innovative concept. However such a proposal would likely need to be subsidised by Government as public charge points require additional capital costs to set up as well as ongoing operational costs that are not required for home charging.
ZEVI and Local Authorities will strive to identify innovative solutions for EV charging to reduce the costs for those without the facility to charge off street .
Local Authorities are currently developing their EV strategies that will identify the most appropriate sites and charging solutions to be installed depending on user needs. Once these strategies have been adopted, they will then move into the implementation stage where the business models for the operational phase will be considered. At this stage, research can be conducted into options for residential neighbourhood/on street charging to see reduce costs where there is no off-street home charging available for residents.
112. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering a cap on the fines for failing to pay a toll the first or second time (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20229/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
113. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the legal status for advanced stop lines at traffic lights; the offence that is committed when these lines are breached by motor vehicles. [20246/24]
View answerThe Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 1997 (as amended) allow that, where a regulatory stop line is provided at a signal-controlled junction which is approached by a cycle track, a second stop line may be provided ahead of, and parallel to, the first. This advanced stop line is to assist cyclists in establishing their position ahead of other traffic, for safer onward manoeuvres.
A driver who fails to stop their vehicle at the first regulatory stop line, thus entering the dedicated waiting space for cyclists, is guilty of an offence and risks incurring a fixed charge notice (FCN) of €80, rising to €120 if not paid within 28 days of notice.
114. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the weight limit for HGVs that weigh more than 7.5 tonnes is being implemented to protect such vehicles coming into towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20250/24]
View answerThe Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (as amended) provide that, where traffic sign number RUS 015 is erected at the entrance to a road, a driver of a vehicle exceeding the gross design weight specified on that sign shall not proceed on that road.
As Minister for Transport, I have no role in the practical implementation of road weight restrictions, as decisions on the location and introduction of restrictions fall to the relevant road authority. The Deputy may wish to contact Dublin City Council for details of that authority's HGV management scheme.
115. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the amount he has allocated to a project to proceed to planning in full (details supplied); whether any requests for further funding have been received by his Department; if he intends to fulfil those funding requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20262/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including light rail.
The Cork Light Rail project seeks to provide a high capacity, high quality east west public transport corridor connecting Ballincollig in the west to Mahon Point in the east via the City Centre, as identified in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS). This is with a view to delivering an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area for the decades to come.
Final decisions on funding for large infrastructure projects, such as Cork Light Rail, are made as the project progresses through the planning and approval process.
The NTA can provide further detail on the progress of the project and, noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
116. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on an application for a Master 500 captain licence for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20279/24]
View answerI can confirm that an application for the seafarer is question has been received by the Department and is currently being processed. Upon assessment of the documents and information provided a decision on the application will be issued to the seafarer.
117. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of employees within his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations; to outline, in tabular form, the length of time these employees have been under suspension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20325/24]
View answerMy Department operates within the Disciplinary Code, the Dignity at Work Policy and other relevant HR policies developed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for use in the Civil Service. Any instances of suspension are managed through the processes as set out in the relevant HR policy.
As the Deputy will be aware, officers suspended pending investigation have a right to a confidential and fair process. Accordingly, I cannot set out the number of officials who are currently the subject of any disciplinary process currently in being. The suspension of an official with pay is not a sanction and is not a finding of wrongdoing.
I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
