Tullamore school seeks planning for decarbonisation project

A Tullamore national school has submitted a planning application for the installation of two heat pumps and a 2000 litre liquified petroleum gas unit as part of a school heating decarbonisation project.

The application was submitted to the local authority by Kieran Dufficy, principal of SN Naomh Brighde Buach, Kilcruttin, under a Renewable Energy Directive III Development.

A liquified petroleum gas unit is commonly used for various applications such as cooking, heating, and powering appliances and its proposed installation will be in support of the school's decarbonisation project which ultimately aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to combat climate change.

The Renewable Energy Directive III, which entered into force in November 2023, is a key EU legal framework aiming for at least 42.5% renewable energy consumption by 2030. It seeks to accelerate the green transition by speeding up permitting processes for renewable energy projects and setting stricter, binding targets across transport, heat, and power.

The planning application was received by Offaly County Council on March 10 with an decision expected on the school's submission on May 4.