A ground-breaking district heating system for Tallaght has received a huge boost by securing €4.5m in Government funding, according to Minister Katherine Zappone. The local scheme is one of seven across the country which made a successful bid for funding under Project Ireland 2040. The Minister says South Dublin County Council and Tallaght now have an opportunity to take the lead in developing a sustainable district heating solution providing low carbon heat to public sector, residential and commercial customers.
Minister Zappone added that combatting the global challenge of climate change will only work when local communities take the lead. “The fact that our local communities have been selected in the first round of Climate Action Funding under Project Ireland 2040 is a tribute to the foresight of those experts in South Dublin County Council and local campaigners determined to safeguard our environment.
Ending the impact of climate change, including severe weather, will only happen with imagination, innovation and inventiveness. By coming together to develop a local sustainable heating system those living and working in Tallaght are showing their readiness to take such an approach. This will be a project which will benefit homes and businesses. There will also be further rounds of funding. Our communities need to continue working to identify other ways in which Tallaght, Citywest and Templeogue can play their part as Ireland seeks to cut carbon emissions by 200 tonnes a year.
As Minister for Children and Young People I have seen how our schools and youth clubs are working to increase awareness about the dangers of climate change and how we can do more to stop it. They are the loudest voices demanding renewables, recycling and sustainability. Now in response a big step is being taken but as an Independent Minister I know a lot more must be done by Government to support the great work in our communities. I will work to ensure that continues to happen.”
