NEWS
Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport Eamon Ryan.
L-R: Ryan White, DfE, Stephen McGreevy, SERC, Mark Eccles, Grant, Tommy Martin, SERC, and Simon Miskelly, DfE.
HEAT PUMP STAKEHOLDER GROUP WELCOMES DFE CONSULTATION
BILL APPROVAL SUPPORTS DISTRICT
A consultation on support for low- carbon heating in residential buildings, issued by the NI Department for the Economy (DfE) and open until December 31, has been welcomed by the Heat Pump Stakeholder Group (HPSG). HPSG met with Dfe at the new South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Zero Carbon Centre in Holywood on October 10, touring the facilities and learning about its courses aimed at developing a skilled installer base to meet demand for heat pump technology. Stephen McGreevy, Lead Business Manager at SERC, said, “SERC is scheduling a range of courses to develop
a skilled installer base for the anticipated demand and increased investment in heat pump technology. “We are delighted to see the consultation come to fruition and encourage everyone to share their views in what is an important step to replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy across Northern Ireland.” HSPG comprises non-governmental representatives from the NI heat pump industry and other sectoral representatives. To find out more about fully-funded green technology courses
Approval of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, supporting district heating’s role in decarbonising the built environment, has been welcomed by the Irish District Energy Association (IrDEA). Irish Environment Minister Eamon Ryan announced government approval of the Bill on November 8, citing a National Heat Study produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) highlighting significant potential for district heating. The Bill marks a pivotal moment for Ireland’s energy transition and the future of district heating, said IrDEA, with the framework set to provide a strong foundation to expand its use across the country. With SEAI’s report indicating 54% of buildings in Ireland are already suitable for district heating, the new Bill enables the roll-out of efficient, low-carbon district heating networks. The General Scheme of the Bill has been developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in line with recommendations from the District Heating Steering Group. The draft General Scheme can be found on the Department’s website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3dd66- heat-networks-and-miscellaneous- provisions-bill-2024 HEATING’S ROLE IN DECARBONISATION
available at SERC, visit: www.serc.ac.uk/skillup
UNITED HARDWARE NAMED AMONG IRELAND’S BEST MANAGED COMPANIES
United Hardware,
operates the Homevalue retail brand for its members, who together own more than 200 stores throughout Ireland and employ around 2,000 people. Paul Candon, CEO of United Hardware, said,
Ireland’s leading buying and
marketing group for builders’ merchants, DIY and home and garden retail stores, has been recognised at the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards 2024 in Dublin. The accolade follows its successful completion of a merger last year, when it transitioned from a joint-venture partnership to a single-trading entity to enhance business efficiencies and expand opportunities to develop and amplify its national retail brand Homevalue. An indigenous business accredited by Guaranteed Irish, United Hardware
The United Hardware team at Deloitte’s gala evening in Dublin.
“Being named a Deloitte Best Managed Company for the first time is a huge achievement for our company and a testament to the incredible dedication shown by our entire team and work over the last number of years. “United Hardware is now a unified business, enabled by an empowered team and a collaborative culture and we’re proud that this work has been recognised.” www.unitedhardware.ie
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