Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are currently actively working to enhance the support scheme for renewable heat to better support district systems. Included in that is ensuring we have industrial waste heat from sectors like pharmaceutical manufacturing and data centres. The SEAI, which administers the scheme, has already completed its 2024 annual review. That made clear recommendations on adapting the scheme for large-scale district heating. That includes raising the investment aid cap to reflect the current intensity of district heat infrastructure. Others were ensuring the eligibility for key components like pipework, energy centres and network connections. We are looking at working to ensure we can support these recommendations. The Minister is also progressing the heat network Bill, which will provide the regulatory certainty but also customer protections and licensing frameworks. What we need to do is come together on this.

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