Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
123. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the District Heating Steering Group will finalise its first set of recommendations; if he plans to publish those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDistrict heating is a key pillar of Government policy to promote decarbonisation of the heat sector and contribute to security of supply, and its development is underpinned by the findings of the National Heat Study.
My Department established the District Heating Steering Group this year to consider the rollout of district heating in Ireland and the regulatory framework required to protect consumers. It is chaired by my Department and its membership is drawn from a range of relevant organisations.
The Steering Group met ten times in 2022 and has been examining issues around the structures necessary for the development of the sector. The Steering Group is now finalising its Report, which will include a summary of the work undertaken and its recommendations as to the best way to facilitate rollout of district heating.
The Steering Group's recommendations centre on the key thematic areas that have been identified as integral to the development of the sector: planning, research, finance and regulation. Working Groups, reporting to the Steering Group, have conducted detailed analysis of these issues. Once received and considered, the Report will be published.
