Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
606. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are solar panels in place on the rooftop or within the grounds of her Department building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30694/26]
View answerMy department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our buildings as part of our work towards 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Evaluation surveys for the installation of PV Solar panels on the three main DEY campuses, Marlborough Street, Athlone and Tullamore, were completed in 2022.
The installation of solar panels is one of the elements that play a key role in how DEY aims to meet the requirements of the Climate Action Mandate and reach its 2030 and 2050 CO2 emissions and energy efficiency targets. Department buildings are owned and managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and while DEY have engaged with them regarding the installation of solar panels and other environmentally friendly energy generation solution, the decision is for OPW. DEY will continue to engage with OPW, in its role as National Estate Portfolio Lead under the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate 2025, regarding the installation of solar panels and other environmentally friendly energy generation solutions within OPW buildings.
