Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
158. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a communal heating system at a location in County Louth (details supplied); his engagements on the matter; the possible short-term solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13002/22]
View answer159. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to capping the gas rates on group heating schemes considering the issues in relation to same at a location in County Louth (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13003/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
Under the House of Tomorrow programme, the first phase of homes in the development were supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. When launched in 2007, these homes were approximately 40% more efficient than they would have been if built in accordance with building standards in place at the time. The communal heating network was supplied by a central boiler originally fuelled by biomass, which significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the homes. I understand that the fuel source has since been changed to a gas boiler.
However, gas prices are not capped in Ireland, and the position of successive Governments, for almost 20 years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses. Given recent international developments, however, the importance of moving away from our reliance on imported gas has been underpinned and, instead, we are accelerating the development of renewable energy generation across the country.
This Government recognises the potential to make use of renewable and waste energy to heat homes and businesses as part of a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions. The Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions that will provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the rollout of district heating and ensure that a robust governance framework is put in place. These actions will also ensure consumer protection, in accordance with legislation.
