Laois County Council explore the use of waste heat from industry for homes

Laois County Council is investigating the possible use of waste heat from industry to warm homes. 

Minister for the Environment Darragh O’Brien, revealed the plans in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward on April 10. 

Deputy Ward asked “if initiatives such as the Tallaght district heating scheme that reuse heat from an existing data centre could be replicated across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.” 

In reply, Minister O’Brien said Government policy recognises the contribution that district heating can make to Ireland’s climate and energy goals, and has financially supported the development of district heating networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund.

“In 2023, my Department published a District Heating Steering Group Report, containing a suite of recommendations for the development of district heating in Ireland. It is recognised that the use of waste heat from data centres within district heating networks has the potential to be an effective tool in decarbonising Ireland's heat sector, and this is also strongly encouraged by European legislation such as the Energy Efficiency Directive,” Minister O’Brien explained. 

“My Department is aware of a potential pipeline of district heating projects, both within Dublin and around the country, including involving private developers working in partnership with Local Authorities and State Agencies. These include a project in Blanchardstown which is being actively progressed by Fingal County Council, and a project which Laois County Council is currently investigating and which would make use of waste heat from a local industry.”

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The Leinster Express/Laois Live has contacted Laois County Council's Community Climate Action Officer for comment but has yet to receive a response.