Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 60: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will comment on the development of a smart grid here; the position regarding the programme for Government 2007 commitment to select a smart town test site to test the new smart grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23046/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the Government's strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand, deliver smart networks and enable greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. The harnessing of renewable energy and the development of micro generation and electric vehicles is creating an utterly different supply and demand energy landscape. The integration of energy and ICT systems will deliver an energy network which looks a lot more like the Internet than a traditional grid.

The current pilot phase of the smart meter programme is underway as planned. The technology trials are continuing to test a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure. Up to 5,000 meters have been deployed to accommodate technology testing in Limerick/Ennis, Cork City/Bandon and South Dublin/Wicklow.

The lessons learned from the pilot smart meter trials as well as the national rollout of energy efficiency programmes and smart networks will then inform our approach to the selection and development of a Smart Town test site.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 61: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the progress made to date from the Government's working group set up to ensure new building will have open access fibre connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In June 2009 I published a report, 'Next Generation Broadband - Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland'. The installation of open access fibre connections in new premises, where practicable, was one of the policy actions.

A working group has been set up comprising officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and my own Department to examine a range of practical issues that need to be addressed to progress this action.

As part of this process, officials from my Department have been drafting technical recommendations and plan to consult with the construction industry and relevant stakeholders in the coming weeks.