Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
56. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on progress in developing district heating here; if there are any live projects under consideration; his expectations for the future of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44563/26]
View answerGovernment policy is supportive of the expansion of district heating and recognises the contribution it can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals. The District Heating Steering Group Report was approved by Government in 2023, and a Working Group has been convened to oversee implementation of the Steering Group recommendations.
The first efficient district heating project operational in Ireland is in Tallaght. It was developed by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and supported through the Climate Action Fund (CAF). Phase 2 of this project is now being planned and evaluated by SDCC.
Dublin City Council (DCC) have also been progressing the Dublin District Heating Project which will use waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy Facility in Poolbeg to heat public sector, commercial and residential buildings in the adjacent area. DCC have been allocated €50 million through the CAF to support this project.
The Department allocated €5 million from the CAF to support pre-construction costs for efficient district heating projects in Ireland. In May 2026, on completion of the Expression of Interest phase, the Department and the SEAI invited 15 successful applicants to the detailed application stage.
Under the National Development Plan, for the period 2026 to 2030, up to €100 million has been allocated to support the full development of efficient district heating networks. The scheme is currently being designed by the SEAI, who will also administer it through their District Heating Centre of Excellence. This level of funding demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to district heating as a core component of Ireland’s decarbonisation strategy.
In addition, the SEAI are leading on work to feed into the overall long-term strategy for district heating. This includes development of a national level assessment and a comprehensive advisory project, being conducted in partnership with the European Investment Bank's InvestEU Advisory Hub.
