Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
28. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline what grant schemes to support the replacement of the communal heating systems running on fossil fuels with the new systems which use renewable energy sources will be available to landlords, residents and stakeholders in order for the programme to be sustainable and cost effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49961/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the request of the District Heating Steering Group, a research project was initiated to assess the viability of retrofitting an existing communal heating system with a shallow geothermal energy source. An independent consultancy was commissioned by the SEAI to undertake this research.The report has now been finalised and contains recommendations in relation to heat network efficiency and options for low-carbon heat alternatives, including costs of installation and operation. The report will be published by the end of November.
The recommendations of the report refer to the SEAI’s Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) , which offers installation grants to support investment in renewable heating systems. The grant can provide funding, of up to 30% of eligible cost, to successful applicants.
It is important to note that communal heating schemes are generally privately owned and managed, and any application for grants would be a matter for the relevant parties to decide upon.
