Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
607. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30712/26]
View answerIt is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and my Department sets out our intentions in this regard in our Climate Action Roadmap 2025: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/fee782cd/Climate_Action_Roadmap_2025_DEY.pdf and School Sector Technical Climate Action Roadmap: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/315407/1680010b-23cc-4c17-94b9-9dc5096c5c67.pdf#page=null. In relation to my department’s own office buildings, significant progress has been made in energy efficiency, having exceeded the 50% target in 2024, with energy performance improving by 54.3% since the baseline (2009).
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.
