Results 2,861-2,880 of 6,816 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Policy (2 Jun 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I am not entirely sure that is the avenue but perhaps it is. This is an issue that has been raised by residents of multi-unit apartment blocks. In one case, my colleague, Deputy Mythen, a representative for Wexford, raised the issue about council apartments on George's Street in Wexford. In that case, Wexford County Council confirmed that because there is only one ESB MPRN in the property,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Policy (2 Jun 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the Minister for that. Obviously, people are experiencing huge frustration. In the cases to which I refer, they are getting €25 rather than €200. Elsewhere, people are getting multiple payments of €200. There is a deep inequity there. I do not think this is the only such example. I take it from this exchange that the spirit and intent is that the payment of...

Planning and Development Regulations (Amendment) (Solar Energy for Schools and Community Buildings) Bill 2022: First Stage (2 Jun 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Report after report highlights the escalating reality of global warming and stresses the urgent need for action to try and mitigate climate change. Shifting our energy sector away from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives will be key to reducing our carbon emissions. In addition to major investment in offshore and offshore wind and solar, microgeneration will play an important role in our...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Empowering Local Government and Local Communities to Climate Action: Discussion (24 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I meant to say that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage was invited to attend this meeting. Its representatives should be here today because that Department has a big responsibility in respect of these issues. My sense, from its response and apology, is that it does not fully understand its role or if it does, it is not responding adequately. I want to put that on the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Empowering Local Government and Local Communities to Climate Action: Discussion (24 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: It is what Dr. Byrne is hoping and what is the reality.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Radon Gas Levels (2 Jun 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 114. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the supports that are in place for persons to carry out remediation works to their homes if they are found to be at high risk of radon gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28381/22]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Policy (2 Jun 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 125. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the new solid fuel regulations; the date that the regulations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28382/22]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Policy (2 Jun 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 152. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which he intends to build the State’s energy storage capacity which has the potential to cut annual carbon emissions by more than one million tonnes; if he will prepare and publish an energy storage strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28383/22]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Medical Bureau of Road Safety: Chairperson Designate (25 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: In a similar manner to colleagues, I wish Dr. Bedford the very best of luck in his tenure at thank him for all of his work to date, including during Covid. I have some questions on the technology that is being used, which he mentioned in his response to Deputy Carey. Is he satisfied with the equipment? Is there a need for improvement? Is it up to the best standard possible? I assume...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Medical Bureau of Road Safety: Chairperson Designate (25 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I think the ISO standard for laboratories is 15189. Dr. Bedford said he is interested in bringing other areas under that standard. I realise it is an arduous job. Where does he envisage the expansion? I have a question on the positivity rates. Dr. Bedford gave us the figures. Is there an increasing number of positives or are we getting more samples per year, for example? Could Dr....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Medical Bureau of Road Safety: Chairperson Designate (25 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: From an analytical perspective, are there emerging drugs that are proving more difficult? What is the position on the technology in this regard? Does Dr. Bedford have a perspective on the breathalyser technology? Does he have any role in-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Medical Bureau of Road Safety: Chairperson Designate (25 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: No problem.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Medical Bureau of Road Safety: Chairperson Designate (25 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: They must be validated. That is very good. I thank Dr. Bedford.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Challenge and Opportunity for Local Authorities in Climate Action: Discussion (31 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the witnesses for their presentations and contributions so far. I will pick up on a couple of points. The title of this session is "Challenge and Opportunity for Local Authorities in Climate Action". Regarding challenges, I am hearing about staffing issues at local government and CARO levels. What is the extent of workforce planning? There are a number of headline positions, but...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Challenge and Opportunity for Local Authorities in Climate Action: Discussion (31 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Has that business case been accepted, agreed and adopted? Do our guests have an update on how many of the staff are in position? I know some local authorities are getting on with the work in the meantime but do our guests have an update in terms of the complement of local authorities? I do not know if any of our guests can address the possible need at a CARO level.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Challenge and Opportunity for Local Authorities in Climate Action: Discussion (31 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Have any of those positions been filled? In the first instance, is there agreement that they should be filled?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Challenge and Opportunity for Local Authorities in Climate Action: Discussion (31 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: What is the headline figure in terms of the overall funding to populate those positions?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Challenge and Opportunity for Local Authorities in Climate Action: Discussion (31 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank our guests.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Challenge and Opportunity for Local Authorities in Climate Action: Discussion (31 May 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I will return to the issue of planning and the relationship with the CAROs and local government. One theme that came up in various meetings was the challenge of delivering renewables at the scale that will be required. It seems to me that it is every form of renewable - onshore wind, solar and off-shore wind. One area for the CAROs is the prospect of local authority renewable energy...