Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1312. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30774/26]
View answerI am committed to supporting the achievement of our national climate action targets and, in addition to making progress on sectoral emissions reductions, my Department’s multi-faceted remit of skills, research and innovation is instrumental in supporting the ongoing development of green skills and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
DFHERIS does not have a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on buildings operated and owned by agencies under the Department. At present the departments four locations; 52 St Stephens Green, Marlborough Street, Tullamore, and St. Stephen’s Green House are owned and/or operated by the OPW, which oversees the installation and management of renewable energy systems, including solar panels.
DFHERIS allocates capital funding to agencies to maintain, refurbish and upgrade and it is a matter for the agencies in question as to how they utilise this funding, in line with Government climate action frameworks and public sector energy efficiency obligations.
The agencies under the aegis of my Department operate from a diverse estate of buildings. SOLAS, Research Ireland, the Grangegorman Development Authority and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) operate from leased buildings and therefore have limits over what can be effected within their respective operating domains.
However, I can confirm that the HEA operates from a shared building where, in 2024, the landlord completed the installation of around 140 Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the roof of the building.
The Department welcomes the installation of solar panels in buildings operated by its aegis bodies. Such installations generate renewable electricity which reduces total operational emissions and reduces energy costs.
I will continue to work with those agencies under my remit, in tandem with the varied public bodies and stakeholders that constitute the tertiary sector, to support the adoption of sustainable practices, including renewable energy solutions, in line with national policy.
