Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
109. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the work of the heat and built environment delivery task force; the members of the task force; his plans regarding a new policy statement on heat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15804/23]
View answerThe Heat and Built Environment Taskforce has been established to accelerate and drive delivery in relation to retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat, decarbonisation of the building stock. The overarching aim of the Taskforce is to: identify work on the critical paths to key targets under each area; ensure alignment in the development of polices and activities underway across Government Departments; and, proactively manage risks to ensure targets are achieved.
Membership of the Taskforce aligns with the initial allocation of Ministerial responsibilities for the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, as agreed by Government. The Taskforce has met twice to date and is scheduled to meet again before the end of the month. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce, which include details of membership, will be published on www.gov.ie.
The National Heat Study published by the SEAI in February 2022 contains the detailed analysis that is informing the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors to 2050. As set out in Climate Action Plan 2023, development of a Heat Policy Statement, based on the outcomes of the National Heat Study, is currently underway. Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be required and a consultation process will also be undertaken. The Heat Policy Statement is due to be published in Q3 2023.
