Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
11. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the criteria will be used to determine whether connection to a district heating network is technically feasible and economically cost effective for a public sector building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69334/26]
View answerThe recommendations of the District Heating Steering Group, established as an action of the 2021 Climate Action Plan, included a mandate for public sector buildings to be connected to district heating networks where technically and economically feasible. The 2023 Climate Action Plan committed to implementing the Steering Group’s recommendations, and this mandate is included in Head 29 of the General Scheme.
The mandate applies only to buildings owned by the State and to efficient district heating and cooling networks as defined by the Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791. It also contributes to fulfilling the requirement under Article 5 of that Directive to ensure a reduction in final energy consumption of public bodies by 1.9% per year when compared to 2021.
A methodology will be developed through consultation to establish the technical and economic feasibility criteria and process for determination of mandatory connections. As the district heating sector is still emerging, it is not yet possible to capture the guiding principles to be set out by the Heat Network Authority. However, data on existing heat networks is being collated and will provide for an informed set of principles to be developed. In the meantime, buildings in public ownership can connect to district heating networks in line with existing appraisal guidelines and procurement rules. They do not have to await any further guidance before doing so.
