DLR Shortlisted for SEAI Public Sector Award

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) has been shortlisted in the Public Sector category of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Awards, recognising the Council's outstanding leadership and achievements in energy efficiency and decarbonisation. The shortlisting acknowledges dlr's sustained commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy performance and embedding carbon reduction across all areas of the organisation and the wider community. The winners will be announced at the SEAI Energy Awards ceremony on 4 November.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council ranks first among Ireland's 26 local authorities for reducing total fossil CO₂ emissions since the greenhouse gas baseline and third for energy performance improvement since the energy efficiency baseline. The Council has already exceeded the Government's 2030 public sector energy efficiency target of 50%, achieving an impressive 61% by 2025. Carbon emissions reductions have also continued to accelerate, 29% in 2025 against the national target of 51% by 2030. These results have been driven by significant investment in energy and carbon reduction projects, including the extensive rollout of LED public lighting, fleet decarbonisation, building energy upgrades and the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and heat pumps across Council facilities including Dalkey and Deansgrange libraries.

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Barry Saul, welcomed the recognition. 

"Being shortlisted for an SEAI Public Sector Award is a tremendous achievement and recognition of the commitment shown by our elected members, staff, communities and partners in tackling climate change. We have embedded energy management and decarbonisation into every aspect of our organisation, and the results demonstrate what can be achieved through long-term planning, innovation and collaboration."

Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran added:

"Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to be leading the way nationally in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy performance. Our Climate Action Plan, ISO 50001-certified Energy Management System and significant investment in sustainable infrastructure are helping us deliver meaningful climate action while improving services, reducing costs and creating healthier communities."

Decarbonisation is embedded across dlr's operations through the alignment of the County Development Plan, Corporate Plan, Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. Since 2017, the Council has maintained annual certification to the internationally recognised ISO 50001 Energy Management System, providing a structured framework for continual improvement across its key energy users, including public lighting, fleet and major public buildings.

Recent achievements include reducing direct emissions at the Ballyogan Operations Centre by more than 99% following the installation of heat pumps and a 172kW solar PV system, while 93.5% of public lighting across the county has now been converted to energy-efficient LED technology. The Council has also expanded its low-emission fleet, with 36 HVO-powered vehicles and 32 electric vehicles currently in operation.

Andrée Dargan, dlr Energy Performance Officer and County Architect concluded:

"This shortlisting reflects more than a decade of dedicated work by our Energy Team and colleagues across the organisation. While we are honoured by this recognition, our focus remains firmly on achieving our 2030 targets and continuing to deliver innovative, practical solutions that support a climate-resilient future for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and beyond."

Beyond its own operations, dlr continues to support local climate action. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, the Council has secured almost €1 million in funding to support 26 community-led projects, including energy retrofits, solar installations and lighting upgrades. Public engagement initiatives such as the "Reduce Your Use" campaign, energy awareness events and sustainable travel programmes are encouraging residents, community groups and staff to play an active role in the transition to a low-carbon future. 

Free Energy Upgrades Information Event coming this October

Bookings are now open for the free ‘Energy Upgrades at Home and in the Community’ event in Dún Laoghaire on 10 October. The event will feature expert presentations and an exhibition showcasing energy specialists. 

Register on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/EnergyUpgradesHomeCommunityEvent