Results 861-880 of 25,443 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Renewable Energy Generation (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: The Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for community owned solar and wind projects and to supporting communities to secure grid access for local renewable projects. The Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) Community Enabling Framework was launched in 2022. It provides a range of supports,...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Wind Energy Generation (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: Regarding the above matter raised, it is not appropriate to comment on a specific case. The Health and Safety Authority are the relevant authority responsible for health and safety in the renewable energy sector including wind turbines and the Minister has no function in this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Conservation (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people in energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund. As Minister, I have no function in relation to...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: National Broadband Plan (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future published in January 2025 sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Telecommunications Services (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: As part of the national response to Storm Éowyn the Cross-Departmental Recovery Group was established. The Group, chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, is coordinating actions to restore telecommunications and broadband to those experiencing outages. The Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD met with...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Policy (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together. As outlined in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050. In the Programme for Government we also set out our commitment to...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Policy (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: As a final part of the review of Ireland’s energy security, my Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) are in the process of completing a detailed examination to introduce a reserve in line with criteria and requirements determined by the Department which included:A proposal which can be implemented quicklyA proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Climate Change Policy (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: I have asked my officials to review this report and to engage directly with the EPA on the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Telecommunications Services (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: My Department is committed to tackling scam calls and texts across electronic communications networks and services. The total quantifiable harm to Irish society arising from scam SMS is estimated at €115 million per annum. This damage is not solely endured by Irish citizens, but businesses too are paying a heavy price. Both my Department and the Commission for Communications...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Policy (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: Gas Networks Ireland, as system operator, is committed to ensuring the security of the sub-sea interconnectors which are vital components of Ireland's energy infrastructure. These interconnectors play a crucial role in maintaining a stable and secure energy supply. On 14 November 2024 the Russian vessel “Yantar” was observed in the vicinity of Gas Interconnector 1 by the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Environmental Policy (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: On 30 January 2025, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage received notification from the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in relation to development consent applications concerning the proposed project and confirmed that it would engage with relevant competent authorities to determine if transboundary consultation was necessary. Following on from...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Infrastructure (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: On 24 January, Storm Éowyn caused widespread power outages, unprecedented damage, and in parts, left the electricity grid destroyed due to broken poles, lines and wires. The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) was convened on Wednesday 22 January in preparation for the storm. This was attended by all Government Departments and agencies. Severe weather plans for the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Departmental Staff (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: I can confirm to the Deputy that the principal officer with responsibility for the corporate governance and fisheries policies of the inland fisheries division/unit in my Department has been in place since September 2023.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Schemes (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 284 together. The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the local area hackney scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Transport Policy (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: The current legislation in operation regarding horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward in Dublin City is the Dublin Carriages Act 1853-1855. Local authorities in other areas can regulate horse-drawn carriages under the Local Government Act 2001. Due to a provision in the Local Government Act 2001 that prevents local authorities from making bye-laws where power exists elsewhere in...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Transport Authority (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area. The reference number provided 22tcc/22/0015 does not match...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Regulations (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector. The 2025 Programme for Government (PfG) commits...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Licences (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector. In June 2010, the NTA introduced S.I. No. 250 of 2010 - Taxi...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pension Provisions (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: From the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees. As a commercial semi-state body CIÉ are responsible for the provision...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pension Provisions (4 Mar 2025)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 236, 237 and 238 together. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees. As a commercial semi-state body CIÉ are responsible for...