Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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128. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress towards a solution to the problem of high energy prices at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52287/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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At the request of the District Heating Steering Group, a research project was initiated to assess the viability of retrofitting an existing communal heating system with a shallow geothermal energy source. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland commissioned an independent consultancy to undertake this research. The report has now been published and us available here: www.seai.ie/news-and-media/communal-heating-systems/.

The Report contains recommendations in relation to heat network efficiency, and options for low-carbon heat alternatives, including costs of installation and operation. It is important to note that the scheme in question is privately owned and managed, and implementation of any of the recommendations would be a matter for the relevant parties to decide upon.

More generally, recent trends have seen reductions in the price of both wholesale gas and electricity and a number of energy providers have announced price reductions. In terms of supports, Budget 2024 has included measures to assist people in meeting their energy bills, including the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme III. Under the Scheme domestic electricity customers will receive a credit of €412.83 (exclusive of VAT) on their bills; the credit will be made in three separate payments. A Submeter Support Scheme is also being introduced to ensure the payment will be applied to supplier submeter accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters. This will provide equivalent support for approx. 5,000 additional households.