Richard Bruton

Fine Gael · Dublin Bay North

Activity on Environment — 246 events (4 lobbying · 240 questions · 2 votes) full profile →

• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  Friends of the Earth Environment

  • Recommendations on Party Manifestos and Government Programme
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  SSE plc Energy and Natural Resources

  • Delivery of clean, homegrown, Irish energy
• 2025-01-17
  LOBBY
  Fair Seas Ireland Environment

  • Fair Seas election manifesto sent to relevant personnel across all main political parties
• 2024-12-12
  LOBBY
  Starrus Eco Holdings, a subsidary of Beauparc Utiliites Environment

  • Discussion on the Joint Oireachtas committee report on the circular economy
• 2024-11-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the protracted waiting times that people are experiencing with the fully funded energy upgrades scheme (details supplied); if he is considering any measures to address this issue; the number of applications at each stage; the typical process time for each stage; the main bottlenecks for speeding up each stage; his views on what the main drivers are to speed up the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44017/24]
• 2024-10-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of caps that apply to the sale by domestic solar into the grid; and if he believes they should be lifted. [43504/24]
• 2024-10-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the criteria under which new data centres can be approved for connection and permitting; whether a long-term pathway for the development of the sector can be set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41417/24]
• 2024-10-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has circulated potential targets under the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 to stakeholders in the various sectors; and if he would consider integrating these targets with the process for monitoring climate target delivery. [41414/24]
• 2024-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has reviewed the terms of the wage subsidy scheme; and if she has considered extending its terms to those who are self-employed, as many people with a disability have been forced into self-employment by the difficulties often encountered in accessing paid employment which understands the abilities they can deliver in the workplace given the correct environment. [36330/24]
• 2024-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can provide figures for direct and indirect jobs potential if Ireland's targets are met in solar energy, onshore wind, offshore wind, biogas production and afforestation; the type of jobs which he envisages could be created in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35605/24]
• 2024-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total estimated spending on retrofitting homes for improved energy use over the past three years; and the total number of homes upgraded per county in total and as a percentage of the county’s housing stock. [35011/24]
• 2024-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the terms of the low-interest loans available for retrofitting homes from the various participating financial institutions; the supports by way of subsidies or guarantees being provided by European Investment Bank and by the State; and the likely cost that will fall on the Exchequer from such guarantees. [35883/24]
• 2024-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to alter any of the SEAI subsidy levels for different elements of an energy upgrade supported under their schemes; if they are set with a target rate of percentage support of different elements; and if he is tracking the actual costs in the marketplace of these elements of work to ensure that the target level of support is maintained. [35884/24]
• 2024-07-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current policy in relation to connections for new data centres, and their obligations in relation to standby non-renewable capacity, and the use of waste heat; the extent to which data centres for which permission has been sought can meet such criteria; and his views on the existence of an effective moratorium in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33365/24]
• 2024-07-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Irish carbon emissions now fall into the emission trading system or into the effort sharing regulation; the 2030 targets which have been set at EU level for Ireland in each case; and how they relate to the target set in the Climate Action Plan. [33367/24]
• 2024-07-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the changing evaluation of the emissions associated with the land use sector have impacted the target being set at EU level for Ireland in this sector; and how it in turn impacts the target set for the remainder of the effort-sharing sectors. [33371/24]
• 2024-07-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made at rolling out ‘one-stop shops’, as outlined in the 2022 SEAI report; if he can provide any empirical measures of their impact on uptake of supports and retrofitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33450/24]
• 2024-07-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of electricity demand that will be created by the targeted installation of retrofit heat pumps and by electric vehicles by 2030; and how that compares with the current level of demand from these sources. [33454/24]
• 2024-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Enterprise

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has evaluated the environment for entrepreneurship and the rate of start-up activity, particularly in the areas of opportunity created by the green and the digital transformation which are altering the business models of every sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30471/24]
• 2024-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Enterprise

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is adjusting the strategy to increase Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment in a quickly changing geopolitical environment, which increasingly sees Ireland in competition with larger EU member states better equipped to provide large financial incentives to new investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28636/24]
• 2024-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to detail the installed capacity of renewables, by county, distinguishing the renewable source in each case. [29497/24]
• 2024-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has mapped the potential location of projected new renewable generation capacity by county or region, distinguishing the renewable source in each case. [29498/24]
• 2024-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to indicate the marginal abatement cost of the most expensive policy measure in each sector now included in the Climate Action Plan for delivery by 2030; the projected cost per tonne of carbon equivalent abated in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29500/24]
• 2024-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the uptake, by county, of the various schemes for microgeneration, and for business-based small-scale generation, under the various supports offered; and his ambitions for scaling up these initiatives by 2030. [29503/24]
• 2024-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the peat restoration projects his Department or its agencies have supported; the estimated capital and recurring costs of the work; the proportion funded from public funds; and the projected gains in carbon abatement and biodiversity. [29504/24]
• 2024-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures planned between now and 2030 necessary to maintain the environmental rating afforded by the Origin Green mark, in each key food sector. [29494/24]
• 2024-07-02
  PQ
  Asked Defence

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the training provided to members of the Defence Forces to respond to future environmental disasters such as flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28237/24]
• 2024-06-27
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if discussions with the various sectors have commenced on the expectations of stakeholders to deliver circular economy strategies; if he will outline the greatest barriers which the Government is encountering in delivering climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27581/24]
• 2024-05-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he has completed a review of the Just Transition process to date; what new elements are being considered in creating a legislative base for a Just Transition Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/24]
• 2024-05-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the schedule for completing DMAPS for the different areas with potential for offshore wind projects; if he will outline the next steps on the first mapping completed for the south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21568/24]
• 2024-05-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement of having the deposit return logo on a can for recycling is really necessary if each item can be traced by the barcode alone; and if he will comment on the claim that this is an unnecessary restriction on trade. [20429/24]
• 2024-04-25
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the review of the recent controversies within the Inland Fisheries Ireland has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18534/24]
• 2024-04-25
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has set a date from which all sales of cans or PET bottles must have a deposit paid; if he has discussed with retailers whether products without the logo and bar code printed on the container can apply a deposit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18591/24]
• 2024-04-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a scheme has been established whereby persons with medical conditions that result in the generation of high volumes of waste can get relief on their waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17332/24]
• 2024-04-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of energy upgrades undertaken in each of the past five years under the free (warmer homes) scheme; the distribution by the intensity of upgrade; and if he will indicate the extent of the waiting list for this scheme. [17478/24]
• 2024-04-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if wood products are permitted to be burned in urban areas; and if they are subject to particular conditions nationally or under local by-laws. [17883/24]
• 2024-04-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if air quality standards apply to emissions from household burning outside of the bans on certain products that are in place; and the procedures for monitoring air quality that may be associated with such uses. [17887/24]
• 2024-04-11
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the directives which are in place requiring local authorities to make adequate provision for a positive environment to support a ageing population in their area; and whether any audit of the adequacy of planning policy to meet this challenge has been undertaken. [15931/24]
• 2024-03-21
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projects which have been funded to date from the Just Transition Fund in County Offaly; their scope and planned impact; the number of applications from the county; and their current status. [13544/24]
• 2024-03-21
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has reviewed the operation of the Just Transition Fund to date; the lessons which have been learnt; when it is intended to establish a Statutory Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/24]
• 2024-03-21
  PQ
  Asked Rural

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the role that her Department plays in promoting social innovation in communities to respond to environmental and demographic pressures, particularly in counties with higher old age profiles. [13550/24]
• 2024-03-07
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the sectors for which a circular economy strategy is being prepared; if the values on key targets specified in the Circular Economy Act have been decided; and if he will indicate when each is likely to be published. [11129/24]
• 2024-03-07
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the prospective generation capacity needs under each category of generation and storage over the next two years to achieve 2025 targets; if he has identified the critical barriers to be overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11128/24]
• 2024-02-21
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is legislative provision in place to require management companies to take reasonable steps to provide EV charging networks for occupiers. [8234/24]
• 2024-01-25
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the progress in developing a new circular economy strategy with sectoral targets, and an EPA programme of actions, which implement the provisions of the Circular Economy Act. [2979/24]
• 2024-01-25
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will comment on reports that there will be a tight supply situation for electricity for many years to come, and the initiatives which could be considered to ease this risk. [2980/24]
• 2024-01-17
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has assessed the capital investment which will be required in Ireland to meet higher recycling and reuse targets and lower exports of materials for recycling over the years to 2030 and beyond; if it is anticipated that this investment will require State direct investment or State support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1606/24]
• 2023-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the possibility of developing, along with other Ministers, a circular compact across the food sector, aimed at designing out the negative environmental features all along the supply chain, from primary production to unnecessary waste. [55783/23]
• 2023-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the research being undertaken into the quantification and reward of environmental services generated by actions at farm level to allow water tables rise on organic soils, to switch from livestock to forestry; and whether this can lead to a more extensive financial framework than the present ACRES scheme. [55782/23]
• 2023-12-06
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the procedure through which an area in the blue commercial area can be transferred to the NBI area; and if he will indicate whether any such transfers have taken place. [53978/23]
• 2023-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether consensus is emerging in the EU on future reforms in the electricity market; their likely impact on Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50279/23]
• 2023-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether Ireland plans to enter new undertakings in the context of the upcoming COP 28; if he will outline his priorities for the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50278/23]
• 2023-11-09
  PQ
  Asked Public Expenditure

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will indicate the number of requests from the trustees of pension funds of state bodies for increases to be made to pensioners which are now outstanding and awaiting ministerial approval; under what circumstances would such increases be rejected in the present inflationary environment; and if steps can be taken to speed up the processing of such applications. [49140/23]
• 2023-10-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions his Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices and prosecution; and if he plans to step up activity. [46965/23]
• 2023-10-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the standards that apply to radiation emissions from telecommunication masts; if different standards apply where they are in close proximity to residential areas, and if the standards applied are updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47120/23]
• 2023-10-25
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions his Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices, and prosecution; and if he plans to step up activity. [46967/23]
• 2023-10-25
  PQ
  Asked Enterprise

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions his Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices, and prosecution; and if he plans to step up activity. [46969/23]
• 2023-10-25
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions his Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices, and prosecution; and if he plans to step up activity. [46966/23]
• 2023-10-25
  PQ
  Asked Justice

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions her Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices, and prosecution; and if she plans to step up activity. [46970/23]
• 2023-10-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied that there is good oversight of the safety of telecommunications infrastructure in residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44018/23]
• 2023-10-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for a breakdown by county on SEAI home energy upgrades support by the Government from January 2023 to June 2023. [43306/23]
• 2023-10-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for a breakdown by county on free energy upgrades for low-income households from January 2023 to June 2023. [43307/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Energy Security Review. [41746/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider extending the approach used for oversight of the Climate Action Plan to the complementary strategies for the circular economy and biodiversity. [41747/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the name of organisations who have been approved for one stop shop services for retrofitting homes; the expected number of upgrades which is expected to be able to complete per year when fully operational, and if the level of national coverage has yet been achieved. [41985/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the latest position in relation to the proposed loan for retrofitting being developed with the EIB; whether it is intended that this will only be available for works above a certain threshold, or achieving a certain standard of BER; the likely maximum term of the loan and the prospective interest rate range which will apply and if it is expected it will be open to the public before the end of the year. [41986/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of solar panel installations which are now selling surplus power back to the grid, distinguishing household suppliers, farm or business suppliers; if he has conducted a survey of the price being earned per kilowatt hour, and if he will indicate how he expects this practice to evolve in the coming years. [41987/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to alter any of the conditions or the grant payments available from SEAI for different elements of retrofitting for the coming year, based on evolving take-up of the various schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41988/23]
• 2023-09-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the NIS2 Directive on cybersecurity will be implemented in Ireland; and whether consultation and an information campaign are planned to better inform the public and affected bodies. [40990/23]
• 2023-09-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the details of those companies who are obligated entities in terms of energy savings; the extent of the obligation in each case; the opportunities for charitable bodies to seek support from such bodies to improve their energy consumption; and whether each entity has published contact details for those who wish to participate. [41395/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he receives reports on the extent to which the pricing structure of bin collections incentivise reduce and recycle through the differential between the cost of black, brown and green collections; if domestic waste is currently being appropriately segregated into the respective streams; whether such segregation is delivering lower total volumes of waste and lower levels of contamination in the respective streams; and if any changes in price structures are anticipated. [37354/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department have considered introducing an obligation on existing data centres to use the excess heat produced for local district heating systems. [37816/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department have considered introducing obligations on new data centres to build heat export ability at the time of construction to supply district heating to local communities. [37817/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of excess heat being produced by data centres; and the percentage of excess heat being used in district heating systems. [37818/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown in the use of biomass for electricity generation. [38272/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current level of solar activity. [38273/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected solar activity by 2030. [38274/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current level of hydroelectric activity. [38275/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected hydroelectric activity by 2030. [38276/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current level of renewable energy generated by wind, broken down by onshore and offshore. [38277/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications of projected level of renewable energy generate by wind by 2030, broken down by onshore and offshore. [38278/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current installed capacity of solar, broken down by commercial and domestic production. [38281/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current installed capacity of wind power, broken down by commercial and domestic production. [38282/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether the trend in electricity prices have been tracked to ensure that customers are not being unfairly charged in situations where underlying forward contracts for fuel stocks remain undisclosed; if it is expected that intervention will be needed by public authorities to ensure falling costs are fairly shared; and how it is intended that the revenue from new caps on renewable energy prices and taxes on the profits of energy companies will be shared with customers. [38641/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he would consider the replacement of a single-glaze window for stand-alone grant aid in the case of stone houses, for which wall insulation is not feasible; and if he would request the SEAI to model the costs and benefits of such work in those houses in terms of fossil fuel use and carbon emissions. [38918/23]
• 2023-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for the proposed introduction of a levy on disposable cups and on a deposit/return scheme for PET bottles and cans; if he intends to modify proposals in view of submissions; and whether dates for commencement have been set. [34790/23]
• 2023-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications which are on hand for the warmer homes scheme; whether this list has been divided into the categories of poor building energy rating; the present annual number of energy upgrades now being completed under the scheme; if he will indicate when those households with somewhat better BER will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35275/23]
• 2023-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the installed capacity of renewable energy under all of the various modes; solar, on shore wind, anaerobic digestion and so on; the categories large scale commercial farms, small business units, household and microgeneration and so on; if he is satisfied that the supports; price for supply to the grid in each case is at an appropriate level to encourage rapid uptake of renewable technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35277/23]
• 2023-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of a report which suggests inaccuracies in the Regulatory Impact Assessment of the levy on single-use containers, particularly concerning: the overall size of the market impacted, the existing penetration of reusable cups, the elasticity of demand in response to the levy; and the emission intensity of the production and use of a recycled paper cup compared to that of reusable cups commonly in use when compared over their life cycle; and his views on the claim that this invalidates much of the argument in favour of the levy. [33556/23]
• 2023-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether any policy options exist for homes which have no fireplace and cannot heat their home without power in the event of a power cut. [33866/23]
• 2023-07-06
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is in a position to sanction an increase in An Post pensions which have been signed off by the Trustees. [33421/23]
• 2023-06-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered a submission from microbrewers which identifies the restrictions on innovation and on exporting which features of the proposed charges under the deposit return scheme will create, through the obligation to register and pay registration fees on new products even if it is a very short product run, and through the differential approach to charging where some of the product is exported; and if he can consider modifications which would avoid such distortions. [31556/23]
• 2023-06-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how does he assess the exclusion of 9 million tonnes of GHG abatement measures in the climate plan from the Environmental Protection Agency's recent projections for emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28680/23]
• 2023-06-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the progress in embedding a public sector climate mandate; the key performance indicators which are being used and if he will outline how the progress of individual bodies is monitored and reported. [28681/23]
• 2023-06-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline his assessment of fuel poverty and the success of measures taken to tackle this challenge. [24648/23]
• 2023-06-13
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether his Department has assigned work on preparing a regulatory regime for carbon capture and storage; and whether there is scope for the EU to promote the concept within the emission trading scheme to facilitate paying for carbon removal at the going carbon price. [27227/23]
• 2023-06-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the potential for alternative energy sources to be developed within local communities, or at the level of a small business or farm under the respective opportunities for solar, small-scale wind, anaerobic digestion, biofuels, and so on; if, in each case, he will outline the potential for energy generation, and the impact in terms of economic activity of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27040/23]
• 2023-05-30
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered extending the warmer homes scheme to persons living in Ireland who are in receipt of the fuel supplement from the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26174/23]
• 2023-05-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he believes there is justification for the introduction of a charge on brown bins - and therefore food and garden waste - by waste collection companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24463/23]
• 2023-04-27
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered the policy implications of the Economic and Social Research Institute assessment of the embodied emissions in Irish imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19322/23]
• 2023-04-27
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the processes which he has put in place to set sectoral targets under Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19321/23]
• 2023-04-27
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the benchmarks which he uses to assess the extent to which green criteria have impacted public procurement; and whether he can indicate how Ireland compares with other EU member states in this respect. [9534/23]
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether the changes announced in the Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind will hinder the progress of offshore wind projects in Ireland [17331/23]
• 2023-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has engaged with the CRU regarding the regulation of companies providing heating to multiple unit dwellings, so that the accuracy of metering systems for recording usage and consumer protection in contracts can be properly regulated; and if it is intended to seek sanction for new regulations. [12049/23]
• 2023-03-08
  VOTE
  Environmental Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 47–78
• 2023-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the processes that he has put in place to set sectoral targets under the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9529/23]
• 2023-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered the policy implications of the ESRI's assessment of the embodied emissions in Irish imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9530/23]
• 2023-01-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider establishing a pilot project to test the approach of having sustainability coaches in local communities (details supplied). [3874/23]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered the policy implications of the ESRI's assessment of the embodied emissions in Irish imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62746/22]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received any early indications of the trend in emissions during 2022 and the factors influencing those trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62747/22]
• 2022-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has a role in deciding whether the pension fund in the State bodies under his authority are providing sufficient increases to their members to match rising costs of living, where the fund has adequate resources to pay more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62550/22]
• 2022-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the risk to public health caused by blockages on private drains which are no longer addressed as an environmental health hazard by the environmental health officers attached to the HSE, and which are not addressed by the councils or by Irish Water; and his views on whether this lacuna should be addressed by giving local authorities the power to serve a notice on all the houses connected to a blockage informing them that they have an obligation to address a potential public health hazard. [62769/22]
• 2022-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department can facilitate a hybrid application involving a partnership between a community group and a State enterprise in a renewable energy project, in view of the fact that such models are in place elsewhere in Europe, and the concern that there has been a high failure rate in community projects seeking to go it alone. [61490/22]
• 2022-11-30
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a list will be provided of all schemes and programmes under the remit of his Department for which a means test applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59654/22]
• 2022-11-17
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made in setting up structures for a deposit return scheme; when is it expected to commence; and the value of the deposit expected of consumers. [57179/22]
• 2022-11-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has set a deadline for the establishment of the approved body to run the deposit return scheme for beverage bottles and cans; the estimated total cost of the scheme; the proposed deposit to be charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55726/22]
• 2022-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which his Department measures progress in reducing energy poverty; if closer alignment with the system of energy upgrades could be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50625/22]
• 2022-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will list the energy efficiency obligated entities for the most recent year for which data is available; the energy savings credits which they earned through delivery of efficiencies; and the proportion in each case which was delivered by buying credits. [54182/22]
• 2022-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the extent to which the annual target of energy efficiency obligated entities will increase in 2023 compared to the existing obligation. [54183/22]
• 2022-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement to have a minimum efficiency uplift, a requirement to achieve a B2 rating or better, prevents the achievement of cheaper and shallower measures which could deliver rapid reductions in energy use at this time of heightened energy uncertainty. [54184/22]
• 2022-10-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the way that the energy credit can be claimed if a person uses so little that the credit rests in their account and cannot be applied to their gas bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52508/22]
• 2022-10-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has put restrictions on the work of obligated entities to support household energy upgrades; if he will identify these; and the reason that he has introduced those restrictions, particularly at a time when the European Union has demanded urgent and immediate reductions in energy use which can be most easily achieved by shallow measures. [49825/22]
• 2022-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grant supports that are available for the installation of solar energy features to a home or to a business, indicating the support with or without battery storage; and if the level of support increases if it is part of a wider energy upgrade. [46492/22]
• 2022-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has developed a vision for the way in which broadband connectivity can transform lives, particularly in Ireland’s regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45645/22]
• 2022-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to bring measures forward to make energy-saving easier for people to achieve over the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45646/22]
• 2022-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of current activity in installing small scale solar capacity with battery backup; and if he will consider introducing greater incentives towards this activity as a cost-effective means of supplementing the national generation capacity. [45923/22]
• 2022-09-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is considering changing the administration in relation the 80% grant for certain retrofit measures as suggested by the Climate Action Council; if he is considering an extension towards other actions delivering swift energy savings; and if solar panels with battery storage, heat controls or other measures warrant similar levels of support. [44552/22]
• 2022-09-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the potential to support battery storage alone in residences, separate from solar generation; if he has received advice on the potential for residential scale wind generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44645/22]
• 2022-09-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that restrictions on replacement oil or gas boilers as early as 2025 will impact on families that cannot easily switch to a heat pump replacement, which requires a great deal of ancillary works to the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44850/22]
• 2022-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports which his Department makes available to support the learning of digital skills for adults who do not have any. [43656/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of contractors who are now participating in the one-stop-shop for the roll-out of retrofitting; the estimated aggregate capacity in terms of homes done per month that they can deliver; and his plans to recruit more to the scheme. [40996/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the contractors under the one-stop-shop arrangement will confine themselves to deep retrofits to achieve the target BER rating; and if not, if they will also deliver service to those doing shallow retrofits. [40997/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the terms of the low interest loans for retrofitting have been agreed; and if he will outline the provisions of same. [40998/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the procedure for approving the increase in An Post pensions has been agreed by the fund trustees; and when the outstanding 2% will be paid. [41022/22]
• 2022-07-05
  PQ
  Asked Justice

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the way the environment for a person suffering domestic violence will improve under the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. [35976/22]
• 2022-06-21
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will confirm that all of the retail electricity suppliers are participating in the schemes whereby surplus renewable energy is purchased from customers with small scale generation of their own. [32032/22]
• 2022-06-02
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made rolling out low-cost initiatives that can help families reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions which can be quickly rolled out such as heat controls, public electric vehicle chargers, utilisation of smart meters and so on. [28308/22]
• 2022-06-02
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when it is planned to allocate the climate budget across the various sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28309/22]
• 2022-06-02
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider a call to create a centre of excellence for the circular economy embracing science, design, knowledge transfer, commercialisation and behavioural strategies to encourage consumer adoption. [25376/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the terms of the financial support made available to the generators of renewal energy under RESS 1 for the different types of renewable energy. [22826/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the Irish reserves of oil and gas; the way that they are held; if they comply with European Union requirements; and if there are plans to expand such reserves. [23283/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of Irish energy interconnection for the supply of energy that is, gas, electricity, oil and so on; and the way that the capacity for delivery compares to average daily usage in each case. [23284/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total capacity of battery storage either held by energy utilities or through supply and demand management agreements; and the way that the capacity compares to average daily usage. [23285/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the obligations in Ireland to share access to gas supplies should the supply of gas from any source to be curtailed; and the way that this is being factored into preparations. [23286/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the aggregate offshore areas in which licences to explore for gas or oil exist; the areas in which recent activity in terms of surveys or preliminary drilling have been sought; if these have been approved; and his views on their potential. [23287/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the volume of recoverable gas which remain in proven fields in the Irish offshore; and the way that it compares to Irelands annual gas consumption. [23288/22]
• 2022-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union creates new concerns from an energy security point of view; if not, if it creates new obligations for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23289/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to expand the microgeneration support scheme to make it more accessible for schools, community groups, large housing developments and businesses to partake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22405/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the use of micro-generation for domestic use will offset rising energy costs and the increased cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22406/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of potential policies and legislation relating to anaerobic digestion plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22407/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether large centralised anaerobic digestion is being underutilised as a form of renewable energy as this country has a large number of livestock producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22408/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if anaerobic digestion as a renewable energy will be used as an alternative policy measure to cut emissions from the agricultural sector instead of cutting the herd number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22409/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to develop potential opportunities for farmers from anaerobic digestion as was outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22410/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there will be additional supports introduced particularly in the area of the food and beverage production industry to incentivise companies to establish anaerobic digestion plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22411/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if time of use tariffs will be made mandatory along with smart meters in order to make use and production cheaper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22414/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is potential to create a carbon credit system for companies here to help lower emissions and to help this country reach its global climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22416/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that can be taken to prevent companies from using carbon credits to buy themselves out of reducing their emissions; the steps that can be taken to prevent the use of carbon credits as a greenwashing technique; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22417/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of carbon credits this country purchased in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22418/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to introduce carbon credit schemes similar to the one introduced by Dublin City Council which would invest in carbon offsetting projects that would result in generating carbon credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22419/22]
• 2022-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a potential market to expand the sale of carbon credits to other industries outside of the agricultural sector such as construction and aviation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22421/22]
• 2022-05-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of smart electricity meters installed; the geographic distribution of the smart meters installed; and the amount of funding that has been spent on the installation of smart meters. [22225/22]
• 2022-04-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will list the extended producer responsibility schemes that are in place for recovering waste material funded by a levy on the product put on the market; if he will list in respect of each the volume of material recovered in weight and the way that compares with the current volume of sales; if he will indicate in each case the level of the levy imposed to fund the operation; the outlets for the recovered material; and if he will provide the latest report on the operation of the respective schemes. [19287/22]
• 2022-04-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that is being made as regards to reviewing the policy position on the development of private wires and direct lines; if a public consultation will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20993/22]
• 2022-04-26
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department intends to introduce further legislative measures pertaining to existing industrial emissions licence holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20994/22]
• 2022-04-07
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline how secure Irish energy systems are. [18485/22]
• 2022-04-07
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he is contemplating which might strengthen Irish resilience in the face of explosion in the cost of oil and gas. [18484/22]
• 2022-04-06
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Clean Air Strategy; and if it is planned to increase the monitoring of air quality under the strategy. [18568/22]
• 2022-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering providing environmental health officers with additional powers in order that they could more effectively address environmental hazards created by blockages on combined household drains, which can only be resolved if all those households served by the blocked drain share in the effort to resolve the issues. [17126/22]
• 2022-03-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many district heating projects are charged as commercial connections resulting in higher charges to householders than if they had individual connections; and if he is considering regulatory changes to address this in order that the potential of district heating can be fully developed. [16056/22]
• 2022-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has decided on the BIK rules which will be applied to electric vehicles after the current exemption expires; if he will ensure that the lower environmental impact continues to be reflected in the BIK burden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14638/22]
• 2022-03-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered funding deep retrofits for older persons with the recovery of their share of the costs from a later transfer of the property which is the principle underpinning the fair deal scheme in health. [11149/22]
• 2022-02-24
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way he is approaching the framing of sectoral carbon budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9460/22]
• 2022-02-24
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is making provision for experimentation in the roll-out of the energy upgrade programme so that the impact of different approaches can be tested to find the approach that attracts the maximum level of participation. [9461/22]
• 2022-02-22
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered the inclusion of standalone grants for windows and doors, which does not seem to be supported as part of a deep retrofit. [9549/22]
• 2022-02-22
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the low-interest loans and the one-stop shop are intended to support all energy upgrades or only those deep retrofits designed to get to a B2 BER rating. [9550/22]
• 2022-02-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the restriction on the eligibility of persons for the warmer homes scheme that have had works done previously under the scheme has been lifted as part of the new retrofit strategy. [8220/22]
• 2022-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is developing a strategy to reward farmers for delivering environmental services as a regular source of income. [6833/22]
• 2022-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proportion of agricultural output on which processors pay a premium for its environmentally sound production standards. [6834/22]
• 2022-02-09
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if specific targets will be set for aluminium cans as well as for polyethylene terephthalate bottles; if the targets shall be the same; and if he plans that the charges set for different types of item will be set to avoid cross subsidisation between lines in respect of the costs of recovery and onward uses. [6859/22]
• 2022-02-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the extension of recyclable material is to now include soft plastics has significantly increased the volume of materials collected as dry recyclables green bin; if he will consider altering the frequency of the green bin collection to accommodate the new arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6150/22]
• 2021-12-02
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of sustainable energy communities which have been formed to date; the scale of energy improvement investments which have been facilitated by such communities; and if he has plans to enhance the scope for such initiatives under the Climate Action Plan. [59579/21]
• 2021-11-30
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans for separate recycling targets for specific food and beverage cartons; and if so, when they are likely to be put in place. [58319/21]
• 2021-11-23
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to support the provision of segregated bins in public places which have high usage. [57060/21]
• 2021-11-11
  PQ
  Asked Tourism

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her assessment of the challenges facing local media in a post-Covid environment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55052/21]
• 2021-11-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to lift the restriction under the warmer homes scheme of not revisiting homes which have previously had a shallow retrofit in view of the new Climate Plan with its target of B2 retrofits. [54816/21]
• 2021-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way the inclusion of land use, land use change and forestry, LULUCF, in the inventory used to measure greenhouse gases will alter the policy challenge for Ireland. [53626/21]
• 2021-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which Ireland’s climate targets for respective sectors relate to the evolving policy agenda at EU level such as expanding the scope of the emission trading mechanisms. [53625/21]
• 2021-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied that the challenges to rolling out Ireland’s renewable power capacity are being resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53624/21]
• 2021-10-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a price for selling back solar energy to the grid will be put in place. [50680/21]
• 2021-10-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will allow households that received shallow energy improvements under the warmer homes scheme to apply for deeper measures; and the date from which persons can lodge applications. [47550/21]
• 2021-10-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to introduce a scheme for an area wide scheme of energy improvement during the course of 2022; if areas will be selected starting with older estates in which BER values are lower; and the measures that are under consideration to encourage persons to participate. [47551/21]
• 2021-10-05
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has made any changes in the schemes of support for energy efficiency measures and solar installations by households; and the schemes which will be available during 2022. [47552/21]
• 2021-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if information will be provided on his Department's review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and the review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; if further information will be provided on the stated need to consider environmental assessment reporting before finalisation; when the interim planning regulations will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42249/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has lifted the restriction which applies to persons getting a second round of support under the warmer homes scheme in cases in which the previous support had only been for shallow measures such as roof insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38797/21]
• 2021-07-01
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the capacity the social insurance fund has to support workers in the face of new challenges in the work, life environment; and the way this can best be harnessed. [34509/21]
• 2021-07-01
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the scale of developmental interventions which she views will be necessary in the post-Covid-19 environment; and the innovations she is considering in their delivery. [34508/21]
• 2021-06-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a physical phone directory is still available to persons who request one; and if not, the provision made for access offline. [34934/21]
• 2021-06-24
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are regulations requiring the display of a notice in outlets handling WEEE products to the effect that arrangements are in place for products at the end of their useful life; the enforcement that is in place to ensure obligations in relation to same are respected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34066/21]
• 2021-06-02
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider developing a roadmap for halving food waste by 2026. [29885/21]
• 2021-06-02
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which restoration of peatlands can be a credit towards Ireland’s climate targets. [29886/21]
• 2021-06-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the work on the circular economy, when completed, will become a major spine of climate action planning and cross-government implementation. [29517/21]
• 2021-06-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Irish position in relation to extension of the emission trading system to new sectors and to the negotiation of a new effort to sharing target for member states as part of the new EU approach Fit for Fifty Five. [29518/21]
• 2021-06-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the obligations in respect of greenhouse gas reduction that have been set for public bodies; and the way delivery is being monitored. [20337/21]
• 2021-06-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider initiating the development of a circular economy roadmap for some of the key sectors under his policy area. [28809/21]
• 2021-05-25
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received reports on the enforcement against illegal dumping activities in Dublin; and the progress being made in addressing the problems in particular at a large illegal dump in Dublin 17. [27562/21]
• 2021-05-25
  PQ
  Asked Justice

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the approach being developed for intensive engagement to divert young persons from the risk of slipping into the drugs environment in pilot areas known as green towns; and the experience of successes from such projects to date. [27557/21]
• 2021-05-11
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the obligations of takeaway venues in respect of waste management; and if he plans to introduce new measures which would reduce the amount of throwaway containers and create greater obligations to contribute to litter management. [23650/21]
• 2021-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to introduce new extended producer responsibility schemes for the collection and processing of waste streams and to create stricter obligations within the existing schemes; the parameters of such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22424/21]
• 2021-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he plans to extend the recycling list to include soft plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22426/21]
• 2021-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he plans to set targets for waste reduction, for reuse of product and for an obligation to incorporate recycled material with virgin raw material in key processes; and the range within which these targets are likely to fall. [22427/21]
• 2021-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions within the waste strategy which will be delivered in the remainder of 2021 and in 2022. [22429/21]
• 2021-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding being allocated through the circular economy programme run by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 and in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22430/21]
• 2021-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has assessed the report by a company (details supplied) on the way in which the cost of solar energy on the grid may be reduced in future auctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21354/21]
• 2021-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the procedures for setting grid connection costs and the estimation of needed strengthening of the grid to accommodate renewable power sources have been reviewed to ensure that they are similar to those applying for renewables in other European countries and are supportive of the rapid growth of renewable sources of power in Ireland. [21355/21]
• 2021-04-21
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the restrictions that apply to the use of CCTV for enforcement against breaches of waste and litter legislation. [18101/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Enterprise

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the EU environment taxonomy will impact on future corporate reporting obligations. [17870/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the savings achieved by diverting one tonne of paper, cardboard and plastic from landfill to incineration or to recycling, respectively in terms of reduction in greenhouse gases, reduction in pollution or other damage to the environment, reduction in costs of processing the waste and the creation of a product for new uses; and the estimated value of each of these savings. [17880/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the volume of materials collected across the network of bring centres; the composition of same; and the way this has changed compared with five and ten years ago, respectively. [17871/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way materials collected at bring centres are processed, broken down by the amounts that go to hazardous waste disposal, to reuse outlets and to recycling; the way the residue is disposed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17872/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated proportion of the volumes put onto the market that are recovered in respect of each of the extended producer responsibility, EPR, schemes; the volumes that go to reuse outlets and to recycling; the way the residue is disposed of; the estimated cost of the scheme per tonne placed on the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17873/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the savings achieved by diverting one tonne of compostable material from landfill to incineration or to recycling respectively, in terms of reduction in greenhouse gases, reduction in pollution or other damage to the environment, reduction in costs of processing the waste and the creation of a product for new uses; and the estimated value of each of these savings. [17874/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the savings achieved by diverting one tonne of paper, cardboard and plastic from landfill to incineration or to recycling, respectively in terms of reduction in greenhouse gases, reduction in pollution or other damage to the environment, reduction in costs of processing the waste and the creation of a product for new uses; and the estimated value of each of these savings. [17875/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current recycling rates achieved in Ireland on compostable materials and on each of the main categories for which waste recycling targets have been set for 2030; the respective levels that prevailed five years ago; and the target to be achieved in 2030. [17876/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the composition of all waste generated in Ireland across all sectors, not just in the municipal waste stream; and the way the weight of each category has evolved compared with five and ten years ago, respectively. [17877/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the new EU environment taxonomy will impact on future regulation of the financial sector and projects put forward for funding under green bond funding. [17868/21]
• 2021-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Public

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which the new EU environmental taxonomy will impact on future procurement policy; and if it will be applied as an element in the current review of the National Development Plan 2018-2017. [17866/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the five most recent significant capital projects in the major functional responsibilities of his Department which have required his sanction; the time which elapsed between the initial submission of the proposal for consideration until the construction commenced; the significant elements making up this period; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the planning process; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the procurement process of contractors; and the way this duration compared with the targeted time to delivery set out at the outset of the process. [14776/21]
• 2021-03-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider promoting a scheme to have on-street compostable bins put in place as the value of compostable beverage cups is being lost when they go into the normal litter stream for incineration. [1493/21]
• 2021-03-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has identified the main categories for new ambition beyond the existing Climate Action Plan in order to achieve the enhanced target of 51% greenhouse gas reduction by 2030. [12893/21]
• 2021-03-03
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has studied the proposals in a report (details supplied) for the support mechanism for postal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/21]
• 2020-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Enterprise

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the trading prospects following Brexit; and if new policy tools are being considered to protect jobs in the post-Brexit environment. [43184/20]
• 2020-12-03
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the local authorities which have requested applications for the public charge point scheme; the local authorities that have completed applications; the local authorities that have been approved; the local authorities that have installed chargers under the scheme; and the number of charge points involved in each case in tabular form. [40853/20]
• 2020-11-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of new sites which have had electric vehicle chargers installed and their distribution classified by capacity range of the charger under the Climate Action Fund allocation to the ESB and under the grant scheme to local authorities since these schemes were initiated; and the number of sites in which upgrades of capacity have occurred under these schemes. [37643/20]
• 2020-11-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of electric vehicle chargers and their aggregate capacity available for public use in at the most recent date for which information is available; and the capacity in each county in tabular form. [37644/20]
• 2020-11-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of electric vehicle chargers and their aggregate capacity available for public use in at the most recent date for which information is available; and the capacity in each county in tabular form. [37645/20]
• 2020-11-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of installation of electric vehicle chargers in service stations and in shopping centres made without State support in the past 12 months. [37646/20]
• 2020-11-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a system in place for quickly identifying public electric vehicle chargers which break down and arranging for their repair. [37647/20]
• 2020-11-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the innovations he plans for the upcoming statement of strategy of his Department. [34558/20]
• 2020-11-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to bring forward investments for accelerated delivery in the context of the national economic plan. [34559/20]
• 2020-11-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the initiatives being planned to promote recycling in multi-dwelling complexes in which such options are not now available. [34908/20]
• 2020-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he has developed initiatives to extend full household recycling to apartment developments which do not now provide them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34001/20]
• 2020-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when a fresh call will be made for projects under the Climate Action Fund; and if the criteria will be different than the last occasion. [30508/20]
• 2020-10-07
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the grant levels available for works under the various SEAI schemes for householders that is warmer homes, better energy homes, solar grants and so on; the impact on the take up of these schemes as a result of Covid-19; and his plans to increase the payment levels for particular works in order to stimulate activity In the months ahead. [29166/20]
• 2020-07-22
  PQ
  Asked Communications

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of projects completed under the deep retrofit scheme; the expenditure involved; the number of outstanding projects to be completed; the estimated cost of each; and the number that will not go ahead. [17522/20]
• 2020-07-21
  PQ
  Asked Public

  Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he has taken to conduct an audit of public procurement to identify the extent to which it can demonstrate the integration of environmental sustainability into each category of procurement; his plans to set requirements immediately in areas such as vehicle and equipment procurement, heating, lighting and power options and controls, building materials and waste management; and his further plans to introduce accurate monitoring across each State body. [16498/20]
• 2019-12-18
  VOTE
  Environmental Policy

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion failed · 38–76