County Hall solar project cuts carbon emissions

The installation of a 100 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system atop County Hall in Dún Laoghaire marks a pivotal advancement in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's pursuit of sustainability and climate action. By producing clean, renewable electricity on-site, the system reduces reliance on grid energy, cuts operational expenses, and supports the Council’s ambitious climate targets.

Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, expressed his enthusiasm: "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."

County Hall, as a central administrative building, demands substantial energy year-round. The new solar array will supply much of the building’s daily power needs, reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing environmental performance. This project illustrates how local authorities can spearhead the transition to cleaner energy while securing long-term value for the public.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of the Council, commented: "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 PV system is expected to generate roughly 89,000 kWh of clean electricity annually—equivalent to powering about 20 average Irish homes each year. Environmentally, this will reduce County Hall's carbon emissions by approximately 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, contributing significantly towards national and local climate objectives.

To optimise system performance, a real-time monitoring dashboard has been implemented. This enables the Facilities Management team to track energy production, system efficiency, and environmental savings continuously, ensuring the installation operates at peak capacity while providing valuable data on energy and carbon reductions.

This solar project forms part of a broader Council programme encompassing energy efficiency improvements, decarbonisation efforts, and renewable energy installations across its estate. Collectively, these initiatives are driving down energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient future for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.