| Irish District Energy AssociationSupporting and Promoting District Heating and Cooling in Ireland |
About us
IrDEA was established in 2017 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG), and has members from across the public, private and academic sectors. We are the only trade organisation representing the district heating and cooling (DHC) sector in Ireland.
What We DoActing on behalf of our members, we support and promote the growth of the DHC industry, creating a new heating market for Ireland, which offers greater opportunities to use indigenous low-carbon and renewable sources of heat. IrDEA is the go-to place to find expertise and information on DHC in Ireland. Our members include leading actors in the district heating sector in Ireland, whose background ranges from practical experience of DHC design and operation, to international research and in-depth knowledge of policy and the barriers affecting district heating implementation in Ireland. Core Activities
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EU Funded Projects
The Irish District Energy Association is proud to be a project partner in two EU LIFE Projects.
The EU LIFE Project, Skills4DHC is a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing skills and workforce development in district heating and cooling (DHC) in Ireland. As the energy sector transitions toward greater sustainability and efficiency, Skills4DHC plays a crucial role in equipping professionals with the expertise needed to design, implement, and maintain cutting-edge DHC systems. Through collaboration with European partners, we are contributing to the creation of specialized training programs, certification frameworks, and knowledge-sharing platforms that will empower the next generation of energy professionals. Our involvement in this project reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the EU’s climate and energy goals.
Read more about the project here.
The EU LIFE Project ENABLEDHC is an initiative dedicated to accelerating the modernization and decarbonization of district heating and cooling (DHC) networks across Europe. ENABLEDHC focuses on enhancing policy frameworks, supporting digitalization, and integrating renewable energy sources to create more efficient and sustainable heating and cooling systems. By collaborating with key stakeholders, we are helping to develop strategies and best practices that empower local and regional authorities to drive the energy transition. Our participation in this project reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the DHC sector, contributing to the EU’s ambitious climate and energy targets.
Read more about the project here.
IrDEA Board & Management |
Dr David Connolly, Chairperson of IrDEA Dr David Connolly led the Heat Roadmap Europe project, one of the most influential EU projects in the district heating sector (www.heatroadmap.eu). He is currently Chief Technology Officer of Astatine Ltd, and is a founder and Chairperson of the Board of IrDEA. |
Donna Gartland, Director of IrDEA Donna Gartland is Chief Executive Officer at Dublin’s energy agency Codema, and has recently helped to secure almost €25 million in total for the Dublin District Heating System and the Tallaght District Heating Scheme through the Climate Action Fund. Donna is a founder and Director of the Board of IrDEA. |
Governance & Decision-making
IrDEA has established a simple governance and decision-making structure to ensure the organisation can operate effectively. This will be reviewed when the number of members in IrDEA exceeds 25.
Current Board of DirectorsIrDEA has a Board of Directors, which currently contains five people: David Connolly (Independent Chairperson, HeatGrid Ireland) and Donna Gartland (Codema), Bill Carbery (Danfoss), Isidore McCormack (Kaizen Energy), and Brian Keville (MKO). AGM & New Board MembersIrDEA will hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, at which the members can nominate and elect Directors to the Board. A single term for a Director is three years. Considering the current size of IrDEA, the maximum number of Directors is set at three. To be elected, Directors must be supported by at least half of existing members. Role of the Board & Decisions On Contentious IssuesIrDEA’s daily activities are coordinated by the Board, but where a contentious issue arises, it will be brought to the members for discussion. Resolving Contentious IssuesFor contentious issues, the aim will be to resolve by consensus. However, where no consensus can be found, then all members will be invited to vote on a decision. Voting RightsFor final decision-making, each Member and Director will be entitled to one vote. If a decision will impact the legal or economic viability of IrDEA, a Director may VETO the decision. Simple Majority & Tied VotesThe result of a decision-making vote will be based on a simple majority. In the case of a tie, the Chairperson will have the casting vote. Remote & In-person VotingDecisions can be made remotely (e.g. via email or online) or at a meeting. QuorumThe quorum for a decision is a response rate of at least 50% from members. Role of the ChairMeetings of the Board and Members will be chaired by the Chairperson, or someone nominated by the Chairperson of IrDEA. |
| Irish District Energy Association 151 The Island, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, D20 CX27 Company Registration: 619382 info@districtenergy.ie |