Maynooth District Heating Feasibility Study
This feasibility study aimed to explore the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for the Maynooth Decarbonising Zone and surrounding areas.
April 2025 - February 2026
About the study
The Maynooth District Heating Feasibility Study, led by Codema on behalf of Kildare County Council, was a project aimed at exploring the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for the Maynooth Decarbonising Zone and surrounding areas.
This study sought 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 included:
- Mapping out heat demand across the region, identifying viable energy supply options
- Developing a stakeholder communication plan
- Designing a scalable distribution network that aligns with local development plans
Codema's role in the project
Codema undertook a comprehensive feasibility study, including:
- Heat demand and supply assessments: Analysing 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: Determining the optimal pipe network routes and configurations, considering technical constraints, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- Financial and sensitivity analyses: Developing financial models to evaluate project costs, revenues and potential risks, ensuring a robust business case
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborating with key stakeholders to collect essential data, build partnerships and ensuring alignment with community needs
Project results
Assessed the viability of a cost-effective and sustainable district heating network
Identified optimal heat sources and network routes
Developed a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan to ensure effective engagement
Project team
Project lead
Kieran Donohue
Energy Systems Engineer
Project lead
Kieran Donohue
Energy Systems Engineer
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.
Neil O’Leary
Executive Manager - District Heating
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 leads Codema's District Heating team. The team's work centers on techno-economic feasibility studies, securing funding, and supporting district heating project development from concept through to procurement. The team also contributes to EU and nationally funded R&D projects and to energy and climate policy consultations.
Project partners and funders
See more projects in this area
LEG-DHC
Large-scale climate neutral Energy Geostructures in District Heating & Cooling systems/networks.
ThermStore-DH
Unlocking Ireland’s underground heat storage potential to support cleaner, smarter district heating.
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