I propose to take Questions Nos. 203, 206 and 207 together.
District heating is a technology that offers the potential to diversify fuel supply used to heat the building sector. 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.
My Department has established the District Heating Steering Group, which draws together the expertise of key stakeholder organisations in order to inform the setting of targets and other key elements for the rollout of district heating at far greater scale. The Steering Group will also ensure that there is a robust governance framework in place and develop a regulatory framework, along with any legislation that may be required. Considerations in this regard will also encompass legacy district heating schemes that are already in operation in Ireland.
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.
