Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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79. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the installation and promotion of communal and district heating schemes in the State; if there are targets for the number that could be installed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21525/24]

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking for an update on any progress made in the installation and promotion of communal and district heating systems in the State, any targets for the number that could be installed and if the Minister of State will make a statement on the matter. I do not think he will be shocked I may raise the issue of Carlinn Hall in my supplementary answer. I have met SEAI about possible solutions. I think there is a long journey to go and I hope there will be governmental support for the residents.

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I am not sure I have the answer to the question at hand. My apologies.

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I can just give the Minister of State a number of requests and he could say "Yes". I would be reasonably happy with that.

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I would like to give the Deputy a proper answer.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Minister of State does not have that question response to hand-----

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I do not think I do.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Can I take it that the Minister of State and the Deputy will correspond and that he will give the Deputy a written response?

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I will correspond with the Deputy and I am happy to give him a full answer. Does Deputy Ó Murchú want to make a point on the general issue?

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I appreciate that. In fairness, I welcome that the feasibility study was carried out by SEAI with regard to geothermal and heat pump technology to replace what is in the gas-fed system. We all know the issue that 50% was lost. It used to take two units of gas to provide one unit of heat and that there was a loss in the system. I met the SEAI and am very happy it is willing to facilitate the possibilities. We are now looking at third-party companies from a point of view of putting a proposal together. There will be a need for a greater level of analysis to be carried out. It is just making sure that if necessary, with regard to any governmental pieces, I think we are looking at a grant scheme similar to what would be offered to biomass. I do not think it is as straightforward but it can be done because we know this is not good from an environmental point of view. It is the almost the Achilles heel of district heating systems, which we all welcome. We need to look at one of these types of solutions or, in a perfect world, a district heating solution that would be perfect. There are possibilities here. My intention is that between the management company, others, some of this third-party expertise and myself that we can put a proposal together. If the residents are reasonably happy with it, it can be put together with all the funding schemes and all of those necessary parts that could improve the system.