Results 29,161-29,180 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: As part of the Single Electricity Market development, EirGrid is developing the second North South electricity interconnector jointly with its Northern Ireland counterpart. The increased capacity provided by this interconnector will also facilitate fuel savings, lower emissions and increased integration of wind generated energy. EirGrid and NIE are currently engaged in respective public...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 414 together. The Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government set the overall strategic directions for energy security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness. The Single Wholesale Electricity Market came into operation on 1 November 2007 and will contribute to the reliability and security of supply of electricity on the island of...

Written Answers — Ministerial Appointments: Ministerial Appointments (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In my capacity as Minister I have occasion to consult with State bodies under the aegis of the Department, with my special advisors and party colleagues on all relevant policy issues. This consultation acts a compliment to the regular policy advice received from established civil servants. Advice received covers the full remit of my Departmental responsibilities and there are no specific...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: There are no applications awaiting approval in my Department in relation to Biofuels. Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes were launched by my Department in 2005 and 2006 resulting in 18 projects being awarded excise relief between 2005 and 2010. The planned introduction of a Biofuels Obligation by 2009, will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My Department has, to date, received 76 applications in the wind category of the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) support scheme, all of which have been processed and approved.

Written Answers — Prospecting Licences: Prospecting Licences (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Deputy will be aware that in August of this year I announced revised licensing terms for oil and gas exploration and production. The decision to revise the fiscal licensing terms followed an independent review that included a comparative analysis of eight other exploration areas. That review had regard to energy prices, water depths, operating and capital costs, along with the key...

Written Answers — Prospecting Licences: Prospecting Licences (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: During 2007, two finds were made in the North Celtic Sea Basin off the south coast. Island Oil and Gas Limited encountered gas at the Schull prospect in block 57/2, while Providence Resources Limited identified an oil accumulation at the Hook Head prospect in block 50/11. In addition, Island Oil and Gas Limited successfully appraised its 2006 Old Head gas discovery in block 49/23. There...

Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In the context of the development of broadcasting policy my officials and I have cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests, including RTÉ, that comprise the broadcasting sector including but not limited to commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers.

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 422, 425 and 426 together. I understand from the developers, Shell E&P Ireland Ltd, that they expect that first gas will be available in late 2009. I would add, however, that completion of development works by the developer is clearly the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. At peak production the Corrib Gas Field has the potential to...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The 2007 Winter Outlook Report was published by EirGrid in August last. Based on their analysis and on detailed engagement with each of the power generators, EirGrid forecast that electricity generating capacity will be sufficient to meet demand this winter. This is in line with EirGrid's previous medium-term generation adequacy forecasts. Since August, EirGrid has provided regular updates...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Dec 2007)

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 by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg). The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Government's decentralisation programme provides for the relocation of my Department's headquarters to Cavan and the relocation of two bodies under its aegis, namely Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to Dundalk and the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) to Carrick-on-Shannon. 43 staff members from my Department have relocated as an advance party to Cavan and of these, 38 were originally based...

Written Answers — Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Energy Efficiency Initiatives (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Far from there being a shortfall for energy efficiency initiatives in Budget 2008, I announced additional funding for insulation and energy building rating schemes together with the energy efficiency programme for SMEs. This is in line with the Government's commitment to radically enhance energy efficiency in the interests of environmental sustainability and competitiveness. I am making some...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My Department has paid €300,000 to Tipperary (North Riding) County Council for the provision of roads in connection with the project of rehabilitation of disused mining areas at Silvermines, County Tipperary. This funding arises out of the 2005 Government decision to commence the project, which has not been completed. Tipperary County Council manages the project and a certain level of...

Written Answers — Inland Fisheries: Inland Fisheries (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Under Section 11 of the 1980 Consolidated Fisheries Act, as amended, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of inland fisheries stocks rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. I have no role in regard to the imposition of fines and I have no information regarding individual cases.

Written Answers — Inland Fisheries: Inland Fisheries (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 572 together. Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of inland fisheries stocks rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. A considerable proportion of fisheries boards' resources and personnel time is devoted to the protection of fish stocks. I have not been made aware...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The European Union has committed to ensure secure and competitively priced electricity markets into the future. Enhanced interconnection between electricity systems is a key priority for Europe. The Programme for Government and the Energy Policy Framework underlines the Government's commitment to a sustainable energy future through a range of measures including increased electricity and gas...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: While I have not had any direct discussions to date with European Ministerial colleagues on the provision of energy infrastructure, or transmission lines in particular, it has been agreed in the context of the European Energy Strategic Review that urgent measures are needed to develop effective energy and adequate infrastructure, including electricity networks, right across Europe. It is the...

Written Answers — Inland Fisheries: Inland Fisheries (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: A Ministerial Direction under Sections 18A, 19(4) and 20(3) of the Fisheries Act 1980 required the Central and Regional Fisheries Board to prepare and implement a programme for rehabilitation of salmon stocks, giving priority to rivers below their conservation limits, in special areas of conservation and which have the greatest prospect of recovery, funded by the proceeds of the salmon...

Written Answers — Inland Fisheries: Inland Fisheries (18 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: This is a day-to-day operational matter for the Southern Regional Fisheries Board in which I have no function.