Results 28,961-28,980 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The headquarters of my Department is due to relocate to Cavan under the Government's decentralisation programme. Three of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Central Fisheries Board, Sustainable Energy Ireland and Ordnance Survey Ireland are scheduled to decentralise to Carrick-on-Shannon, Dundalk and Dungarvan respectively. The following table sets out the progress made...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the relevant data sought by the Deputy in this regard, and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Under Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme twenty-seven MANs have been constructed. All twenty-seven are operational and open for business in Carlow, Cork, Letterkenny, Gweedore, Galway, Kilkenny, Portlaoise, Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, Limerick, Ballina, Kiltimagh, Tullamore, Roscommon, Clonmel, Dungarvan, Waterford, Mullingar, Athlone, Wexford, Dundalk,...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In March 2002 the Government approved the design and construction of fibre optic Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) using Government and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Phase I of this Programme delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country, which were built on time and under budget. eNet, the...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) currently has two programmes that provide financial supports to those interested in renewable energy based heating systems. The Greener Homes Scheme aimed at householders grant aids the installation of geothermal heat pump, wood pellet or solar thermal systems for space heating and/or hot water. The...

Written Answers — Mine Sites: Mine Sites (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have not received a request from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government to fund the rehabilitation of the former mine site at Tynagh. The site is being included in the national inventory of inactive and abandoned mine sites being prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction with the Geological Survey of Ireland. The inventory will ensure that...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: My Department has not procured, through open recruitment or on secondment, any specialist staff as outlined in the Deputy's Question.

Written Answers — Compulsory Purchase Orders: Compulsory Purchase Orders (13 Feb 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have been informed by my Department that compulsory purchase order powers have not been used in the Department from 2005 to date.

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...