Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
5. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when he expects the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to be published and introduced to the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69325/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will provide a regulatory framework to enable the roll-out of district heating, contributing to the decarbonisation of Ireland's heating sector and helping to meet national climate targets. The enactment of this legislation is a commitment of the 2025 Programme for Government, as part of the Government’s commitments relating to “Futureproofing Ireland’s Built Environment”.
Subsequent to the Government decision of 30 October 2024 to approve the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill, my Department engaged with relevant Government Departments, the Office of the Attorney General, State Agencies, and other key stakeholders in drafting the Bill. These engagements identified a number of issues that were addressed by means of revisions to the Heads, approved by Government in July of this year.
The revised Heads underwent pre-legislative scrutiny before the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy on 23 September. Officials from my Department are currently engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to advance drafting of the Bill. It is expected that the Bill will be published and introduced to the Oireachtas in the first quarter of 2027.
