Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
304. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are solar panels in place on the rooftop or within the grounds of his Department building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30691/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra305. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra306. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30729/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra307. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra308. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30767/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308 together.
My Department’s head office at Tom Johnson House, Beggars Bush, is owned and managed through the Office of Public Works (OPW) and was recently retrofit to an 'A' BER rating which includes a substantial solar PV installation.
My Department is heavily engaged in supporting the installation of solar panels on homes, businesses and public buildings throughout Ireland, with a variety of supports available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
Solar energy on buildings can help to reduce fossil fuel consumption by shifting to a renewable and more sustainable source of energy. The presence of solar energy installations on public buildings allows Ireland to increase the amount of energy from renewable sources in line with our evolving national and EU energy and climate obligations.
The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which comes into effect on 29 May 2026 aims to achieve a zero-emission building stock across the EU by 2050 through the integration of renewable energy sources, renovations and retrofits to existing buildings, as well as ensuring that all new buildings are zero emission buildings.
Article 10 of the EPBD relates to solar energy in buildings. Ireland is required to ensure the deployment of suitable solar energy installations, if technically suitable and economically and functionally feasible, as follows:
• on all new buildings owned by public bodies with a useful floor area larger than 250 metres squared, by 31 December 2026; and
• on all existing public buildings with useful floor area larger than:
• 2,000 metres squared, by 31 December 2027;
• 750 metres squared, by 31 December 2028; and
• 250 metres squared, by 31 December 2030.
I am working with colleagues across Government to develop plans to implement this ambition.
