Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
609. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30749/26]
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: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/fee782cd/Climate_Action_Roadmap_2025_DEY.pdf and School Sector Technical Climate Action Roadmap: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/315407/1680010b-23cc-4c17-94b9-9dc5096c5c67.pdf#page=null. My Department has a strong record with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design and specification.
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.
