Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On the opportunity arising from district heating, I return to the national heat study. We have seen the example of Codema and the data centre in Tallaght. In the past, there have been town gas and other communal systems. There is an opportunity in that regard but it has to be done right and embedded appropriately. My local authority is setting up an energy agency in co-operation with Kildare County Council and Wicklow County Council. There is opportunity but it will need to be co-ordinated.

There is potential for a significant increase in the price of gas. The Government has not acted in respect of carbon tax and has indicated it cannot act on VAT. It needs to go back to the drawing board to respond to the increase in the price of gas that is on the horizon.

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