Cormac Devlin
Ceist:35. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans in relation to the implementation of district heating in Ireland. [53650/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 4 November 2021
Ceisteanna (35)
Freagraí scríofa
District heating offers potential to make use of renewable heat and waste heat and contribute to the decarbonisation of new and existing buildings.
The forthcoming Climate Action Plan will contain a number of actions that will provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the rollout of district heating and ensure that there is a robust governance framework in place. The Steering Group will also be responsible for examination of financing options for district heating, and for recommendations in relation to conduct of research. I am also committed to development of a regulatory framework to protect consumers and suppliers of district heating, in collaboration with relevant State agencies.
The National Comprehensive Assessment of the Potential for Efficient Heating and Cooling in Ireland provides essential information in relation to supply of heating and cooling, and of useful energy demand and final energy consumption for heating and cooling for all sectors in Ireland. It also outlines the economic potential for efficient heating and cooling. The document, which will be critical to informing the development of district heating, is available on gov.ie.
My Department continues to liaise with relevant stakeholders, and works closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which has responsibility for planning policy and Building Regulations, to encourage the increased uptake of this technology.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 33.