Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
14. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the Interim Heat Network Authority is expected to be established within the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; the staffing and budget allocations envisaged for the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69329/26]
View answerThe Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector, including establishing a comprehensive regulatory regime that ensures consumer protection and a Heat Networks Authority charged with overseeing the orderly development of the sector nationally, in line with EU principles of energy efficiency.
During an initial period, this role will be partially taken on by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), whose National District Heating Centre of Excellence is already in operation and conducting studies that will feed into its role as Interim Heat Network Authority. The SEAI National District Heating Centre of Excellence will take on the added functions of the Interim Heat Network Authority upon commencement of the Heat Act, once the Bill has been enacted.
Any additional staffing and funding requirements arising from the implementation of the Bill will be considered by my Department through the established corporate governance and budgetary oversight processes as the legislation progresses and, subsequently, following enactment of the Bill.
