DISTRICT heating systems for Dublin, hybrid trains, an electric car charging network and more efficient public lighting are among the flagship projects awarded €77m this morning in the first round of funding under the Climate Action Fund.
Seven projects which will reduce emissions by 200,000 tonnes a year will benefit, with the Government saying the €77m in funding would leverage an additional €220m in private sector funding.
The seven projects are:
- €10m for ESB eCars to develop a national vehicle charging network.
- €8.5m to Gas Networks Ireland to support a facility which allows renewable gas to be injected into the grid.
- Up to €20m to develop the Dublin District Heating System, utilising waste heat from the Poolbeg Incinerator to heat homes and businesses.
- Another €4.5m is being allocated to South Dublin County Council to develop a district heating system.
- €15m for Irish Rail to trial hybrid engines on its fleet.
- €17.5m to upgrade 326,000 public lights to high-efficiency LED.
- A further €1.4m to reduce fuel consumption across the freight industry.