COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, May 26, 2025

QUESTION NO.

QUESTION: Councillor A. Smyth

"To ask the Manager for an update on the solar panel scheme being carried out on community facilities in Tallaght?

REPLY:

The Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, sets out clear targets for this council operations to achieve 50% improvement on energy efficiency and 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  This will be managed through the implementation of IS 50001 Energy Management System. ISO 50001 is an international recognised standard providing a process for the council to establish, implement, maintain and improve energy performance and efficiencies, with the goal to make the necessary improvements towards 2030 climate targets, and climate-neutral by 2050.   

In order to achieve the necessary improvement in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, the Council recognises approximately 45% of current energy demands relates to the council building portfolio, including offices, depots, libraires, theatres, leisure centres and community buildings. As part of the ISO 50001 implementation process, the Climate Action team are assessing all council buildings to establish current energy demands, emissions and opportunities for improvement. One key opportunity for improvement for the council, is to increase the level of renewable energy utilised, including the provision for PV panels on suitable council buildings. Funding for such works will be delivered through the current capital programme with matching funding being provided through SEAI Pathfinder Programme.  The council will look to avail of other opportunities of funding where available. Due to the limited availability of funding, projects will be prioritised and scheduled based on

To help facilitate the delivery, South Dublin County Council has completed the tender process for the appointment of a contractor for the provision of the Design, Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Rooftop Solar PV Panels, for Council owned and least buildings. The contractor will be formally appointed in the coming weeks.  Climate Action Team, together with Architects Section and Community Services, have identified an initial list of suitable buildings. Once the contractor is appointed, they will undertake an initial assessment to establish the suitability of the building for a PV installation. Initial assessment will commence June 2025. Until the individual building review is complete, the Council is currently not in a position to provide a list of projects or timelines for delivery. It should be noted, where the assessment determines a building is suitable, the contract will be immediately tasked to programme the works. Once a project is approved, installation will commence within 8-10 weeks from the approval date. The council is eager to progress installation and are expected to commence Q3 2025.