McGreehan says district heating projects a major opportunity for Louth

Louth Fianna Fáil TD, Deputy Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a €5 million fund to support the development of district heating projects, and said that the technology presents a major opportunity for Louth to lead the way in clean, affordable, and secure energy solutions.

Deputy McGreehan said that district heating, which delivers heat to homes and businesses through a centralized, efficient system, is a cornerstone of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and a key tool in reducing emissions from the built environment.

The Government aims to scale up this technology, particularly in areas with high population density and nearby heat sources, making growing towns and urban centres like Drogheda and Dundalk ideal candidates, the Fianna Fáil TD added.

“This is the kind of forward-thinking investment we need to see replicated in regional hubs like Louth,” Deputy McGreehan said. “District heating is not only a cleaner alternative, it strengthens our energy independence. As Louth continues to grow, we have the chance to adopt smart, sustainable infrastructure from the ground up.”

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Last week, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien approved the allocation of €5 million to support pre-construction development costs for efficient district heating projects in Ireland. The funding will come from the Climate Action Fund (CAF).

The €5 million pre-construction development fund will help local authorities, energy providers, and private developers take the first step, supporting feasibility studies, project design, and early-stage planning. Deputy McGreehan said she is encouraging all suitable local actors in Louth to engage with the fund once open.

The Louth TD said that the State has already supported successful district heating schemes in places like Tallaght. In addition, Dublin City Council 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, initially in the adjacent area with plans to progressively expand into Dublin city

Deputy McGreehan continued, “I want to see Louth front and centre when it comes to the next generation of heating. This technology can heat homes, businesses, and public buildings efficiently by making use of local energy sources, whether it’s industrial waste heat, data centres, or renewable sources.”

“This funding marks a positive step toward a more sustainable and energy-secure future, one that benefits communities, businesses, and the environment alike.”