Results 2,381-2,400 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (7 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The legal unbundling of Bord Gáis Éireann's transmission and distribution systems operator functions from its other functions is in the process of being completed. Statutory Instruments numbers 760 of 2005, and 377 of 2007, transposed the provisions of EU Directive 2003/55/EC into Irish legislation. Bord Gáis Éireann has established 'Gaslink Independent Systems Operator Limited', a...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (7 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I can advise the Deputy that work in relation to the legal unbundling of the Distribution Systems Operator as an ESB subsidiary is at an advanced stage. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel has engaged in an extensive drafting process on a Statutory Instrument to provide for the creation of the Distribution System Operator subsidiary company and for its...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (7 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Decisions on any necessary actions to be taken by the Department and/or the Commission for Energy Regulation as a consequence of any changes to the UK gas regulatory regime will be taken in the context of the publication by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM), of revised proposals to the current regime. The publication of such proposals is awaited. OFGEM is the Office of the...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Eco-friendly domestic generation, or "microgeneration" involves the small-scale production of heat and/or electricity from a low carbon source. Market studies in the U.K. and elsewhere have found that, in the long term, supported by appropriate market development measures, such generation has the potential to make a contribution to the reduction of energy related CO21 emissions. Sustainable...

Written Answers — Energy Policy: Energy Policy (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: There is considerable potential for the Irish energy enterprise sector to grow significantly through the delivery of the Government's targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Our energy and climate change policy goals also have the potential to create economic opportunities, not just in the energy sector itself but also across a range of sectors including construction, engineering,...

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 638 to 640, inclusive, together. The Fuel Poverty Action Research Project is assessing the effectiveness of the interventions delivered under the current Warmer Homes Scheme in addressing fuel poverty. This Scheme is operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) which is funded largely from my Department's Vote. The bulk of the relevant interventions were...

Written Answers — Energy Policy: Energy Policy (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The dividend review processes in relation to Bord Gáis Éireann and Bord na Móna plc commenced in 2007 and will be finalised in the coming months. The outcomes will reflect the commitments made in relation to the two companies in the Government's Energy Policy Framework 2007–2020. Preliminary consideration has been given to the review of dividend policy for the ESB. The matter is to be...

Written Answers — Energy Policy: Energy Policy (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The All-Island Energy Market Framework is currently being reviewed by a steering group comprised of officials from my Department, the Northern Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, the Commission for Energy Regulation and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, in light of the successful launch of the Single Electricity Market on 1st November 2007. I expect to...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Programme for Government 2007-2012, reaffirms the commitment in the Energy Policy White Paper to the transfer of ownership of the electricity transmission network assets from ESB to Eirgrid by end 2008. The mechanisms to implement the transfer to Eirgrid of ownership of the assets comprise a range of legislative, commercial, legal and financial dimensions, which are currently under...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The total expenditure by my Department on external consultants in 2007 was €5,713,234.80. A breakdown of the costs is: Details of Commission Cost € Feasibility Study and Cost Benefit Analysis for Construction of a Natural Gas Pipeline from the Mayo — Galway Pipeline to Donegal Town via Sligo and Provision of other Energy Infrastructure in that Region 144,699.00* Study on Common...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 645 and 646 together. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned...

Written Answers — Energy Imports: Energy Imports (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Government attaches the highest priority to the development of the east west electricity interconnector, which will contribute to security of supply and competitiveness as well as providing increased potential for the export of wind-generated electricity. Greater interconnection between Member States is also a key priority for the European Union to ensure the effective working of the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned by private companies. However, it is expected that the...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am finalising details of a pilot grants scheme with Sustainable Energy Ireland to incentivise the owners of older, less energy efficient homes to invest in improved insulation and other energy efficiency improvement measures. A launch date in March 2008 is envisaged. I anticipate a full roll out of the scheme from 2009, subject to a positive appraisal of the effectiveness and value for...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The project appears to be a proposal to construct a wind turbine subject to achieving planning permission to do so. The promotion of renewable energy technologies is a key element of this Government's energy policy. My Department has support programmes in place directly and in cooperation with Sustainable Energy Ireland to increase the penetration of renewable energy technologies, which...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Under Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme six MANs have been constructed in the South East region: Carlow, Clonmel, Dungarvan, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. To date €14.7m has been spent on these six MANs. All six MANs are complete and are fully open for business. They have been handed over to the Managed Services Entity, eNet, who manage, market, operate and...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: There are no agency workers employed by my Department. I have no function in relation to State agencies as regards this matter.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 661 together. The purpose of the proposed independent study is to provide expert professional advice on the relative merits of constructing and operating overhead transmission lines compared to underground cables, having regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues...

Written Answers — Fishing Licences: Fishing Licences (12 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: For the record, the change in licence fees introduced from 1 January 2008 increased the cost of an annual salmon angling licence from €128 to €134, which represents an increase of 4.8% from 2007 in line with the consumer price index. 50% of the licence fee income is dedicated by the Fisheries Boards to the rehabilitation of salmon habitats and conservation measures throughout the...