Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

148. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residential customers consuming gas through a district heating system such as a person (details supplied) are being charged higher prices for their gas heating on the basis that communal district heating system purchasers have been categorised as commercial customers; the regulation or mechanism that is in place to enforce this; the number of residential consumers that are affected; the measures that can be taken to ensure such customers receive the same price protections as other residential customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14698/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The development in question has not previously come to the attention of my Department. Gas prices are not capped in Ireland, and the position of successive Governments, for almost 20 years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses. Given recent international developments, however, the importance of moving away from our reliance on imported gas has been underpinned and, instead, we are accelerating the development of renewable energy generation across the country. 

This Government recognises the potential to make use of renewable and waste energy to heat homes and businesses as part of a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions. The Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions that will provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the rollout of district heating and ensure that a robust governance framework is put in place. These actions will also ensure consumer protection, in accordance with legislation.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

149. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will take action to ensure that apartment renters in district energy complexes can pay residential gas rates instead of more expensive commercial gas rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14724/22]

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

150. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will urgently review the relevant legislation which classifies district energy users as commercial users rather than residential users given that the mechanism of gas supply to some residential apartment developments is through the district energy mechanism which is resulting in them paying a much higher price for gas due to recent global events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14738/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together. Gas prices are not capped in Ireland, and the position of successive Governments, for almost 20 years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses. Given recent international developments, however, the importance of moving away from our reliance on imported gas has been underpinned and, instead, we are accelerating the development of renewable energy generation across the country. 

The Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions that will provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the rollout of district heating and ensure that a robust governance framework is put in place. These actions will also ensure consumer protection, in accordance with legislation.