Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
8. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the assessment that has been made of the potential impact of the proposed Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill on local authorities, including any additional staffing, planning, regulatory or financial responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69344/26]
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 the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory regime that ensures consumer protection.
The Bill does not prescribe a particular ownership or delivery model for district heating. It is intended to facilitate participation by both public and private sector entities.
Head 25 specifically provides Local Authorities with the legal powers necessary to participate effectively in the district heating sector should they choose to do so. It will provide Local Authorities with the powers to acquire or sell heat, construct, develop, operate, maintain and improve heat networks, distribute heat and enter into collaborative agreements with the private sector or other Local Authorities. Engagement with Local Authorities during the development of the Bill highlighted the need for these enabling powers to support the successful planning and delivery of district heating projects.
Importantly, Head 25 is an enabling provision and does not impose any obligation on Local Authorities to participate in the district heating sector. Decisions regarding whether, and to what extent, a Local Authority chooses to engage are likely to be informed by the findings of Local Heating and Cooling Plans, which municipalities with populations exceeding 45,000 will be required to prepare under the Energy Efficiency Directive.
Where a Local Authority decides to pursue district heating activities, responsibility for determining the associated organisational, staffing, regulatory, planning and financial arrangements will rest with the Local Authority, working as appropriate with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
