Arklow District Heating Feasibility Study
This feasibility study aims to explore the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for Arklow and the surrounding areas.
January - December 2025
About the study
The Arklow District Heating Feasibility Study, led by Codema on behalf of Wicklow County Council, is a project aimed at exploring the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for Arklow and the surrounding areas.
This study seeks to assess the potential for using waste heat and renewable energy sources to provide reliable, affordable heating to the area, while contributing to Ireland’s carbon reduction goals.
Key objectives include:
- Mapping out heat demand
- Identifying potential energy sources
- Developing a stakeholder communication plan
- Designing a scalable distribution network that aligns with Arklow’s regeneration and expansion plans
Codema's role in the project
Codema will undertake a comprehensive feasibility study, including:
- Heat demand and supply assessments: Analyse the area’s current and projected heat demand and evaluate the suitability of local heat sources, such as waste heat from industrial processes and renewable sources
- Network design and route evaluation: Determine the optimal pipe network routes and configurations, considering technical constraints, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness
- Financial and sensitivity analyses: Develop financial models to evaluate project costs, revenues and potential risks, ensuring a robust business case
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with key stakeholders to collect essential data, build partnerships and ensure alignment with community needs
Project aims
Assess the viability of a cost-effective and sustainable district heating network
Identify optimal heat sources and network routes
Develop a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan to ensure effective engagement
Project team
Project lead
Neil O’Leary
Executive Manager - District Heating
Project lead
Neil O’Leary
Executive Manager - District Heating
Neil joined Codema in 2022. He holds a BE in Energy Engineering from University College Cork and an MSc in Energy Science from Trinity College Dublin. Prior to joining Codema, Neil worked as a mechanical engineer with PM Group in Cork and Integral Group in Vancouver. Neil's role in Codema is to lead the district heating team. His responsibilities include techno-economic feasibility studies of low-carbon energy projects, facilitating the development of renewable energy projects in Dublin, supporting Codema’s work on EU or national funded R&D projects and preparing responses to public consultations on energy and climate change.
Kieran Donohue
Energy Systems Graduate
Kieran Donohue
Energy Systems Graduate
Kieran holds a Masters of Energy Systems Engineering from University of Galway. His thesis here was a study modelling a ground source heat pump and its associated thermal field for the installation of such an installation on campus to heat the sports centre’s swimming pool. He has worked as an intern in ESB Smart Energy Services, which provided tailored solutions to reduce a client’s energy use and carbon emissions. Since joining Codema in 2023 he has played a role in many energy assessment and district heating rollout projects.
Hannah Byrne
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Hannah Byrne
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Hannah joined the team in July 2023 and is Codema's Communications and Engagement Coordinator. Hannah holds an MSc. in Climate Change: Policy, Media and Society from DCU and a B.A. in Politics and Sociology from Maynooth University. Before joining Codema, Hannah worked for a number of years in the non-profit sector and more recently in the local government sector with a focus on digital communications and content management. Hannah also holds a Professional Diploma in Project Management from the UCD Professional Academy, and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from Irish Times Training.
Project partners and funders
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