Publication
Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, has announced government approval of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024.
District heating is a proven technology that can decarbonise the built environment, diversify fuel sources for heat, and improve quality of life. District heating is a system for distributing heat generated in one or more central locations, through a system of insulated pipes, to individual public, residential and commercial properties connected to the network.
The National Heat Study, produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), highlighted significant potential for heat in buildings to be supplied by district heating, particularly in large towns and cities across Ireland where demand is concentrated, and heat sources are prevalent.
The establishment of the District Heating Steering Group which was committed to through the Climate Action Plan process, was a critical step on our journey towards developing district heating in Ireland. The District Heating Steering Group Report, approved by Government in July 2023, contained a suite of recommendations that set the future policy direction for the development of district heating.
The General Scheme of the Bill has been developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in line with the recommendations of the District Heating Steering Group and following consultation with relevant departments, agencies and stakeholders. It seeks to provide a legislative and regulatory framework for the district heating sector in Ireland.
Further consultation with stakeholders and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action is expected as the detailed legislation is developed. The General Scheme will form the basis of the finalised Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
The draft General Scheme can be found on the department’s website.
