95. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the working group on district-communal heating schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59685/26]

Government policy is supportive of the expansion of district heating and recognises the contribution it can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals. The establishment of the District Heating Steering Group, which was committed to through the Climate Action Plan, was a critical step on our journey towards its development in Ireland. The report of the District Heating Steering Group was approved by Government in July 2023 and contained a suite of recommendations that set the future policy.

These recommendations are being actioned by my Department. A District Heating Centre of Excellence was established within the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support the development of district heating in Ireland. My Department and the SEAI have also engaged with the European Investment Bank on a study to inform delivery of a long-term strategy for the large scale roll out of district heating in Ireland, including providing advice based on best practice learnings from across Europe. In addition, my Department and the SEAI are working on providing financial support for district heating, with funding having been allocated to support the development of district heating networks. In tandem, my Department is working on the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to introduce the necessary regulatory framework.