Results 3,421-3,440 of 7,145 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Climate Action Plan (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Whatever one's position on the Galway ring road, this development has highlighted, as Deputy James O'Connor has pointed out, a disconnect between the planning system and the appraisal frameworks we have to ensure that project proposals are climate-aligned, climate-proofed or carbon-emissions assessed. We also have read newspaper reports in recent weeks that a similar appraisal tool is to be...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Wind Energy Generation (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 72. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions that his Department is taking to accelerate the delivery of offshore wind energy to ensure that Ireland meets the target of 7 GW by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62752/22]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Wind Energy Generation (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Since I have not done so yet, I echo the condolences offered by the Minister and Deputies to the family of the soldier who lost his life in Lebanon and his injured colleagues. I commiserate with their families and wish them well in the time ahead as they grieve and heal. We will have the opportunity to talk again about solar as part of a later question. What actions has the Department...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Wind Energy Generation (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: All today's priority questions, across the Opposition, are interrelated. They are on a theme, which is the Opposition trying to push the Government in a direction I believe the Minister wants to go. I will say again, however, that I am not convinced that members of the Government are entirely in tune regarding it. A number of these issues are cross-departmental. From talking to those...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Wind Energy Generation (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: My understanding is that funding was approved and a number of positions were filled in respect of the climate and marine unit at An Bord Pleanála, but a greater number of positions were not even advertised, despite funding being allocated for them. Does the Minister have the detail of the staffing complement for that unit? How many are employed there in position? Will this unit have a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Wind Energy Generation (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: No, we did not.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Wind Energy Generation (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: We did not vote against it.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Energy Policy (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 70. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he has taken since the publication of the energy security review to improve Ireland’s energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62751/22]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Energy Policy (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: What action has the Minister taken since the publication of the energy security review to improve Ireland's energy security? I am particularly interested in the area of gas storage and the emergency backup that is due for delivery next year. With regard to the scheduled capacity that is due to come on stream, I understand there is a challenge in delivering that.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Energy Policy (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I will afford the Minister 30 seconds of my time for that. There is the storage piece and there was also a question mark over the viability of projects that were to be delivered next year and in the years ahead, related to the January auction by EirGrid. The last time we spoke here, the Minister said the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, was looking at it. I ask for an update as...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Energy Policy (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: To be clear, if it is deliverable, Sinn Féin supports State-owned, non-commercial storage, preferably onshore. If we are saying Kinsale might be an option, it is important it is State-owned and non-commercial to avoid the potential of lock-in and, importantly, to ensure it is transferable to zero emissions gas or hydrogen, as appropriate. We will support the Government if that is the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Let us get real. I have heard that a few times from the Minister. Deputy Ryan is the Minister with responsibility to deliver on this and he said we are going to meet our budgets. We are not going to meet our first carbon budget. It is very clear that we are not. I am not saying that in order to score political points. Of course there is a need for significant movement in local...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: We have a fair idea.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 68. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the upcoming climate action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62750/22]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I ask the Minister for his views on the upcoming climate action plan and invite him to make a statement on the matter.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: It is clear the climate action plan is going to need to deliver a step change. We and others in the Opposition have been critical about the approach the Government has taken, particularly in respect of the design of schemes. Many of the retrofitting and electric vehicle schemes are unfair because they are inaccessible to many people. At root, it is clear we are on the wrong trajectory....

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Renewable Energy Generation (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 88. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps that he is taking to help build a green hydrogen sector in Ireland; if he will outline the targets for green hydrogen production by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62756/22]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: National Broadband Plan (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 89. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in County Meath; the target number of homes to be passed for 2022; the number of homes passed in County Meath to date; the targets for County Meath in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62753/22]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Prices (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 108. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on the feasibility study of geothermal energy; the role that he sees geothermal playing in community heating systems in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62755/22]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Usage (15 Dec 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 158. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the up-to-date position regarding supports for pay-as-you-go gas and electricity customers to protect them from disconnection this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62888/22]