Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
467. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30720/26]
View answer468. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of 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. [30740/26]
View answer469. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30757/26]
View answer470. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [30778/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 467 to 470, inclusive, together.
The Government’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021, the annual Climate Action Plan (CAP), and the annually updated Public Sector Climate Action Mandate commit Ireland to a strategic direction to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Sustainability and climate action are at the core of the Office of Public Works’ Statement of Strategy and the Office is committed to a vision that strives for harmony between our built and natural environments. One key objective from the Office of Public Works’ Statement of Strategy is advancing climate action obligations and promoting the transition to a low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy and the installation of solar panels on buildings will help to achieve this objective.
I am deeply committed to helping advance sustainable solutions and renewable energy sources that mitigate against the effects of climate change which includes the continued installation of Solar PV panels. The energy retrofitting of Ireland’s State-owned office accommodation throughout the country, which includes solar PV, to at least medium-depth level renovations in order to achieve a minimum increase of 50% in individual building energy efficiency. Investment will focus on a range of measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the portfolio: from improved fabric insulation, window replacement and air tightness upgrades to the installation of renewable heating technologies (e.g. heat pumps), upgraded Building Management Systems, upgraded lighting systems and the installation of Solar PV panels.
Solar PV panels offer significant benefits by reducing carbon footprints and lowering the cost of electricity in buildings. Roof-mounted Solar PV Panels provide a renewable, free energy source with low maintenance requirements.
Generally all new buildings built by the OPW in recent years have solar PV panels installed to provide renewable energy, e.g. new FSI Laboratory, new Government Data Centre and T7 Rosslare Europort. Also, where a major renovation is taking place in a building, solar PV is retrofitted where technically feasible. Recent examples include: Tom Johnson House, DSP Ennis Government Offices and Navan Government Offices. It is also OPW Policy to consider installing solar PV in any large building where the roof is being replaced or upgraded.
