Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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62. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the Eirgrid All Island Resource Adequacy Assessment 2025-2034 (details supplied) will impact on energy supply in the years ahead; if it means that more renewable and less fossil fuel generation capacity will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17087/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment (AIRAA) is an electricity system security study that assesses the balance between electricity generation capacity and electricity demand over the next ten years. The recently published AIRAA 2025-34 shows an improved picture for Ireland's generation adequacy on last years study. This improvement is due to new generation capacity additions, an improved accounting of existing generation (including from renewables) and interconnection capacities. It is also due to risk mitigations, delivered by Government and State agencies, such as the delivery of Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG).

The Base and Secure scenario results in the AIRAA indicate adequacy challenges in 2025 and 2026, although these challenges are mitigated when the CRU security of supply programme out of market mitigations, such as TEG, are considered. The position improves in 2027 as the Celtic Interconnector is delivered and new gas capacity comes online. From 2028, the Base scenario indicates the system is operating within standard.

In their publication, EirGrid's median demand scenario forecasts demand to grow by 45% over the next 10 years, as we electrify heat, transport and digitise our economy. This will be met be delivering more capacity to generate electricity, both renewable and conventional, and by managing demand to better match times of surplus – what’s called ‘flexible demand’. Delivery of key infrastructure, including grid reinforcements and interconnection, will also be important in securing the electricity system.

As set out in the 2021 'Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply', the development of new conventional gas fired generation is a national priority and should be permitted and supported. This will ensure security of electricity supply and support the growth of renewable electricity generation. Dispatchable generation, such as gas fired generation, is necessary to meet electricity demand at times of low renewable output. However, as more renewables are delivered and energised over the coming years, dispatchable generation will be required to run less frequently over the course of a year.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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63. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made in terms of the provision of energy locally, by the Dublin Waste To Energy facility operated by Dublin City Council in a public-private partnership with three other companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17841/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Dublin City Council (DCC) is working to develop a large project that will use waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy facility in Poolbeg to heat public sector, commercial and residential buildings in the adjacent area, with plans to progressively expand into Dublin city.

This project is strategically important for Ireland, and both national and international district heating experts have identified its tremendous potential. When fully operational, the Dublin District Heating Project will be capable of capturing up to 90 MW of heat which is being generated as a by-product of converting non-recyclable waste at the Dublin Waste to Energy (DWtE) facility on the Poolbeg peninsula. This heat, which is currently being released into Dublin Bay, has the potential to heat up to 80,000 homes, public sector buildings and commercial premises.

There is significant momentum in the project with some key infrastructure already complete or being built out. Installation of the trunk main pipework through the Central Boulevard in the Irish Glass Bottle site commenced in August 2024. It is intended that this will be followed by installation of advance pipe works across Sean Moore Road in 2025.

The Government's Climate Action Plan recognises the important contribution that district heating can make to achieving Ireland’s climate and energy goals. The District Heating Steering Group Report set out recommendations to develop the district heating sector in Ireland, including the need to develop underpinning legislation, and to support the development and expansion of district heating networks.

The Government has financially supported the development of district heating networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund, including allocating (subject to business case approval) €50 million to the Dublin District Heating Project. My Department is working with DCC to ensure all necessary supports are in place for the acceleration of this landmark district heating project.