Under the House of Tomorrow programme, the first phase of homes in this development were supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. While my Department was not involved in the development I am informed that, 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.
Gas prices are not capped in Ireland and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities has no function in terms of gas price regulation. The position of successive Governments, for almost 20 years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses. As a result, gas prices are set by suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters for the individual supplier. Given recent international developments, however, the importance of moving away from our reliance on imported gas has been underpinned and 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.
