Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
227. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding provided to district heating in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [48738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy is supportive of the expansion of district heating to contribute to diversification of fuel supply for the heat sector and to decarbonise it. The District Heating Steering Group Report, which was approved by Government in July 2023, contains a range of recommendations setting the future policy direction for development of the sector including with respect to providing financial support for district heating infrastructure.
The Government has financially supported the development of district heating networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund (CAF). There is a large-scale scheme operational in Tallaght, which was developed by South Dublin County Council, and supported through €4.92m funding from the CAF. In addition, Dublin City Council has been allocated €50m through the CAF to support the development of the Dublin District Heating Project. My Department has also allocated €5m from the CAF to support pre-construction costs for efficient district heating projects in Ireland.
Since 2024, Local Authorities can avail of Pathfinder funding for feasibility studies for district heating projects. In 2024 five projects (with approximate funding of €500,000) were assisted in this way, while approximately €300,000 was paid out to five projects in 2025. Pathfinder has a planned spend of €500,000 in 2026.
Funding allocated to district heating in tabular form:
Under the National Development Plan, for the period 2026 to 2030, €50m to €100m has been allocated to support the full development of efficient district heating networks. The scheme is currently being designed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, who will also administer it through their District Heating Centre of Excellence.
To date, funding support is being allocated in the form of grants for feasibility, pre-construction and construction elements of district heating. This level of funding demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to district heating as a core component of Ireland’s decarbonisation strategy.
