Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the specific measures taken in his Departmental offices and operations in reducing energy usage and to assist in Ireland meeting our climate targets for 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23321/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates from three locations, at St Stephen’s Green and Marlborough Street in Dublin (shared with Department of Education), and Tullamore, Co. Offaly (shared with Department of Education and other agencies on the one campus).

Preparation work on the restoration and upgrading of the St. Stephen’s Green building has begun by the OPW, with a refurbishment due to take place from early 2026 which will include modifications to reduce energy usage where possible.

Window replacement, upgrades to the lifts and updating from heating oil to natural gas has taken place in my Department’s Tullamore location.

Refurbishment of Windows and Frames has taken place in the Marlborough Street location.

Optimising Power @ Work Scheme has taken place in all my Department’s locations.

Additionally, the Department is currently upgrading its IT infrastructure to a single-device architecture, which is expected to contribute to a reduction in electricity consumption.