Principal Construction
ASP_4423%2B-%2BPrincipal%2BConstruction%2B-%2BHeatworks%2BTallaght%2B-%2BPano.jpg

Tallaght District Heating Scheme

Phase 1 of the first large-scale district heating network of its kind in Ireland. It is estimated that the project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the South Dublin County area by nearly 1,500 tonnes per year. The system will initially heat 47,000 m2 of public sector buildings, 3,000m2 of commercial space, and 135 affordable rental apartments.

Tallaght District Heating Scheme - Phase 1

Summary

The project consisted of the construction of Phase 1 of the Tallaght District Heating Scheme (TDHS), the first large scale district heating network of its kind in Ireland. The Energy Centre building itself is primarily a Plant facility, which houses the equipment to convert, store and distribute heating and cooling to the neighbouring areas. The project utilises waste heat from an adjoining data centre in Tallaght to provide low carbon heat to public sector buildings. The centre also includes support facilities such as a small meeting room/ office and staff toilets.

Aerial view of site - Photo courtesy of Fortum

In the case of the Tallaght District Heating Scheme, this project will deliver a high level of innovation, as waste heat from the nearby Amazon data centre supplies the heat to the network.

It is estimated that the project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the South Dublin County area by nearly 1,500 tonnes per year. The system will initially heat 47,000 m2 of public sector buildings, 3,000m2 of commercial space, and 135 affordable rental apartments.

From incorporating renewable energy sources to implementing cutting-edge materials with high insulation properties, every aspect of the design was meticulously curated. The result was a project that not only met the client's specifications but set a new benchmark for sustainability and energy efficiency in district heating scheme projects. In recognition of this fact the scheme was recently chosen as the winner of the Emerging District Energy Market in the 2023 Global District Energy Climate Awards.

The project has also been selected as a finalist in the 2024 Irish Construction Excellence Awards (ICE Awards), in the Industrial Category, Up to €20 Million.

Key Issues

  • Significant coordination and integration of large number of existing services in Belgard Rd + Airton Rd, including water, mains drainage, ESB, Fibre Optic data and Gas. Works required the relocation of a substantial 1050mm culvert pipe for the Tymon Poddle stream

  • Installation of complex structural steel frame, diagonal sheet metal (copper) shingle cladding, incorporating ventilation louvres and specialist access doors.

  • Coordination with numerous specialist subcontractors regarding installation of all District Heating systems and equipment

  • Significant coordination with numerous stakeholders, including South Dublin County Council, Codema, Fortum eNext Ireland Ltd., Amazon Web Services and TU Dublin-Tallaght

Minister for the Environment, Climate & Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD & the Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Emma Murphy, at the official opening the Tallaght District Heating Network at the Heatworks Energy Centre in Tallaght. Photo by Ben Ryan

See a report on the project by RTE here

Client: Fortum eNext Ireland Limited / South Dublin Co. Council

Architect: Fortum eNext Ireland Limited
Status: Complete: January 2023
Contract: FIDIC Contract For Building & Engineering Works Designed By The Employer (Edition 2017)

Download Construction Brochure