Results 26,601-26,620 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: There are currently approximately 1,400 megawatts (MWS) of renewable powered electricity generating plants accessing the electricity grid. Wind powered technology is the dominant renewable technology. There are almost 100 windfarms connected with a combined capacity of around 1,100 MWs, compared to hydro-power with 240 MWs connected and the balance made up of biomass, mainly landfill gas....

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The rollout of the national Smart Metering Programme is progressing in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the 2007 Programme for Government. The Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand and to deliver greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. Smart...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 41 together. The Government recently approved the implementation of a postcode system as recommended by the National Postcode Project Board (NPPB). My officials and I are currently working to address the next steps in this project, including the process of retention of a body to implement the proposed system. It is expected that postcodes, which are...

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The two regulators, North and South, have been working together since late 2007 to develop joint proposals for the Common Arrangements for Gas (CAG) whereby all players in the gas market could buy, sell, transport and contribute to the development and planning of the natural gas market North and South on an all-island basis. The work of the Regulators has included a Cost Benefit Analysis of...

Written Answers — Electricity Transmission Network: Electricity Transmission Network (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: EirGrid's Grid25 Strategy for developing the electricity transmission grid, has identified 2,000km of the existing system that requires upgrading to provide enhanced capacity, as well as 1,000km of new lines. Upgrading of existing transmission lines as an alternative to building new lines is an effective way of increasing the transmission system capacity, and is an intrinsic part of...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I welcome the fact that the benefits of competition in electricity supply, which have previously been confined to large industrial and commercial customers, are finally available to domestic consumers. The entry into the domestic electricity market of two new suppliers, Airtricity and Bord Gáis Energy earlier this year, demonstrates that policy to encourage competition in electricity...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 42 and 49 together. The Fuel Poverty Action Research Project was established by Combat Poverty and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The project involved an integrated and systematic ex-post assessment of the energy, environmental, thermal comfort and health benefits of the SEI-administered Warmer Homes Scheme which retrofits low income private homes...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 44 together. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will be implemented by the end of 2010, will ensure broadband is available to almost all parts of the country. In designing the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission, it was necessary to strike a balance between reaching as many unserved areas as possible and minimising the impact of the...

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The possibility of merging the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and ComReg is one of a range of proposals made by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes in relation to my Department. In the context of the 2010 Estimates and Budget preparations, my Department, in common with all Departments, has submitted a list of detailed expenditure options taking account of...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Ocean energy technologies are still in the research and development phase globally. It is estimated that there are no more than 10 megawatts (MWs) of ocean energy test projects installed for testing internationally at this time. This reflects the early phase of development of the technology within international research programmes. The Government's target, following suitable technology...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Irish postal market is due to be liberalised from 1st January 2011 as set out in the 3rd EU Postal Directive. My Department is currently developing a regulatory framework dealing with the key issues to be decided in transposing the Directive into Irish law by the end of 2010. The initial consultation process has been completed and the views submitted as well as the experiences of other...

Written Answers — Electricity Transmission Network: Electricity Transmission Network (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has operated a group approach to connecting projects to the national grid, which is designed to streamline the connection process in the interests of efficiency and cost effectiveness for developers. The current group approach, Gate 3, was the subject of extensive public consultation by the CER prior to its final decision in December 2008. In...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Government recognises that the cost of energy in Ireland is a serious competitiveness issue facing the enterprise sector during this difficult period for the economy. The provision of secure, sustainable and competitive energy supplies is critical for the economy. Ireland's high energy costs, by comparison with much of Europe, are primarily due to significant dependence on volatile...

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The contract for the Power Of One campaign ended on 31 December 2008 and has not been renewed. Since 1 January 2009, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has assumed responsibility for promotion of energy efficient behaviour in the residential sector, using the Power of One brand which has been very effectively established over the last three years. SEI has a statutory remit for this role under...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The promotion of the sustainable generation and use of energy is being supported in a variety of ways in the electricity, transport and heat sectors, as well as through the promotion of energy efficiency across the economy. Renewable electricity generation is currently supported through the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff programme (REFIT) which has been in operation since 2006. There are...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2003 lists Ireland's games in the Six Nations Rugby Football Championship to be available on a free television service on a deferred basis. Under section 173 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, I am required to review the list every three years. This review is currently under way. Should I decide to...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Restoring the competitiveness of Irish industry is a priority concern for Government. In that context proportionate rebalancing of network tariffs in favour of Large Energy Users (LEUs) has been called for, in order to mitigate the cost of energy for industry. Protecting jobs and economic activity is in the interest of every consumer and every citizen as Ireland's industrial electricity...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Under phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) 27 MANs are...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Greener Homes Scheme, which supports installation of renewable heating technology in homes, is now in its third phase. To date, over 37,000 people have applied for grant aid under the Greener Homes Scheme, and nearly €61m has been paid to over 24,000 applicants. The scheme was designed from the outset to act as a market stimulation measure. The renewable heating sector was...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Oct 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) contract guarantees that broadband connectivity will be available to 100% of the buildings within the NBS coverage areas. In recognition of the fact that some areas will be very costly and technologically challenging to reach using standard infrastructure, a limited number of residences and businesses in the NBS coverage area may be covered by a satellite...