Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
786. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [30704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra787. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [30722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra788. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [30741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [30759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra790. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [30780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra793. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding any buildings operated and owned by his Department that have solar panels in place to support the energy demands of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 786, 787, 788, 789, 790 and 793 together.
My Department’s annual Climate Action Roadmap sets out our commitment to reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources across our estate and operations.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) acts as the building agent for my Department and the programme of replacement and refurbishment of buildings, including the delivery of energy-efficiency projects and renewable energy measures such as solar panel installations, where appropriate, is progressed by the OPW in close cooperation with department officials.
The policy or inventory of solar panel installations across the buildings it occupies or operates. This information forms part of the OPW's management of the wider State property portfolio.
The Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Authority, which operate under the aegis of my Department, have each published their own Climate Action Roadmaps. At present, there are no solar panels installed on buildings operated or owned by either body. Both organisations are engaging with relevant stakeholders on potential energy efficiency and renewable projects, including the installation of solar panels where feasible and appropriate.
I support the installation of solar panels on buildings operated and owned by both my Department and by the bodies under our aegis. The generation of on-site renewable electricity would reduce reliance on electricity generated by fossil fuels, contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions associated with our operations, assist in achieving our climate objectives, and reduce energy costs.
My Department will continue to work with the OPW to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and to support the rollout of renewable energy measures across its accommodation portfolio, in line with Government climate and energy objectives.
