The draft Heads of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill ( www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/heat-networks-and-miscellaneous-provisions-bill-2024/ ) were approved by Government on 30 October 2024. The legislation 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.
The Bill is currently being drafted with support from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). Officials from my Department are actively engaging with the OPC drafter, the Department's own legal team, and external stakeholders to progress the Bill. Stakeholder engagement will continue as we develop the Bill, with the target being to have it enacted later this year.