Written answers

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Capital Expenditure Programme Review

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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167. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his key priorities in regard to the forthcoming capital review; the projects submitted for priority inclusion in the review; the status of negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2285/18]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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My Department’s policy commitments and investment priorities across key areas of national strategic importance are central to the delivery of many of the Strategic Outcomes detailed in the National Planning Framework: Ireland 2040 Our Plan.  My Department will oversee a significant programme of capital investment during the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2018-2027, which is currently being finalised. Climate mitigation and adaptation are cross-cutting priorities for Government and for me. The National Policy Position on climate change identifies the achievement of a climate resilient economy and society by 2050 as a key objective.  In line with the Government’s National Mitigation Plan, investment in the key sectoral areas of transport, agriculture, energy and housing will be prioritised at an accelerating rate over the lifetime of the Plan.  Action now will position Ireland to harness a range of benefits into the future, in terms of the creation of sustainable green jobs, sustainable food production, deepening our energy security, improving the quality of our lives and making our working and built environments healthier.

In my Department, a significant expansion of investment in energy efficiency upgrades, including deep retrofitting of housing, commercial and public building stock, will accelerate the contribution of the built environment to the collective effort to reduce CO2 emissions.  Measures to progressively decarbonise electricity generation and to promote the electrification of heat and transport will be central to the achievement of national transition objectives.  We also need to ensure that we develop appropriate levels of energy interconnection to cater for growing demand and diversify our sources of supply.

Delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the National Broadband Plan remains a key priority. Fast, secure, high capacity and reliable digital connectivity will underpin balanced regional development, allow new businesses and services to emerge and increase Ireland’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a place to live and do business.

Investment in waste management infrastructure, air quality and biodiversity will be critical to our environmental and economic well-being, and to achieving EU circular economy and climate objectives.

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