Written answers

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Energy Prices

Photo of Darren O'RourkeDarren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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203. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the anomalous situation which gives rise to significantly higher gas prices in residential complexes served by district heating systems (details supplied); the reason that such systems are classified as commercial rather than residential; his proposal to address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15959/22]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many district heating projects are charged as commercial connections resulting in higher charges to householders than if they had individual connections; and if he is considering regulatory changes to address this in order that the potential of district heating can be fully developed. [16056/22]

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will take steps to resolve the issues raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the communal heating scheme at a location; if he has raised his concerns in relation to same with the regulator; if he will review any possible gaps in legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 203, 206 and 207 together.

District heating is a technology that offers the potential to diversify fuel supply used to heat the building sector. 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.

My Department has established the District Heating Steering Group, which draws together the expertise of key stakeholder organisations in order to inform the setting of targets and other key elements for the rollout of district heating at far greater scale. The Steering Group will also ensure that there is a robust governance framework in place and develop a regulatory framework, along with any legislation that may be required. Considerations in this regard will also encompass legacy district heating schemes that are already in operation in Ireland.

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.

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