Solar Investment Delivers Energy and Carbon Savings at County Hall, Dún Laoghaire

Solar Investment Delivers Energy and Carbon Savings at County Hall, Dún Laoghaire

The successful completion of a new solar photovoltaic (PV) installation on the roof of County Hall, Dún Laoghaire marks another significant step in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and climate action. The new 100 kW solar PV system has been delivered as part of the Council's ongoing programme of decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements across its facilities and public buildings. By generating clean, renewable electricity on-site, the installation will help reduce the building's dependence on grid-supplied energy, lower operational costs and contribute to the Council's ambitious Climate Action targets.

Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council:

"I warmly welcome the completion of this solar installation at County Hall. It is encouraging to see tangible climate action projects being delivered that will have long-lasting environmental and economic benefits. By harnessing renewable energy and reducing emissions from our own operations, the Council is leading by example and showing how collective action can help build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown."

As one of the Council's key administrative buildings, County Hall has a substantial energy demand throughout the year. The new solar array will harness solar energy to power day-to-day operations, reducing carbon emissions and improving the environmental performance of the building. The project demonstrates how local authorities can lead by example in transitioning to cleaner energy sources while delivering long-term value for the public.

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

"This project is a great example of how the Council is embedding climate action into the day-to-day operation of our services and buildings. The new solar installation will help reduce our environmental impact while also delivering significant energy savings over the years ahead. As we continue to invest in energy efficiency and renewable technologies across the county, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating a more sustainable future for our communities and future generations."

The solar installation is expected to generate approximately 89,000 kWh of clean electricity each year, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 20 average Irish homes. This renewable energy will help reduce County Hall's reliance on grid electricity while delivering long-term energy cost savings and environmental benefits.

In environmental terms, the system is projected to reduce County Hall's carbon emissions by approximately 40 tonnes of CO₂ each year, supporting national and local climate objectives and helping to build a more sustainable future for the county.

To maximise the benefits of the investment, a real-time monitoring dashboard has also been installed. This system allows the Facilities Management team to track energy generation, system performance and environmental savings on an ongoing basis, ensuring the installation operates efficiently while providing valuable data on energy and carbon reductions.

The project forms part of a wider programme of sustainability initiatives being delivered by the Council, including energy efficiency upgrades, decarbonisation measures and renewable energy installations across the Council's building portfolio. Together, these initiatives are helping to reduce energy consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

Key Facts

• 100 kW Solar PV system installed at County Hall
• Approximately 89,000 kWh of renewable electricity generated annually
• Estimated reduction of 40 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year
• Reduced reliance on grid electricity and lower long-term energy costs
• Real-time energy monitoring dashboard now operational
• Supports the Council's Climate Action Plan and decarbonisation objectives
• Part of a wider programme of energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades across Council facilities.