Dublin in 2050

We’ve used current research to imagine Dublin in 2050 with clean energy. See how day to day life will look where you live.

It’s 2050 and Dublin has reduced its emissions, is no longer dependent on fossil fuels and has even become a net-exporter of energy by 2050, meaning we are producing more energy than we need.

Housing

Our homes are warmer, cosier and healthier places to live. We no longer have to worry about vulnerable members of our families living in damp, draughty accommodation. Why? Because the Government provided even better grants to improve our homes and upskilled thousands of workers to upgrade all of the old buildings across Dublin. The improved energy efficiency of homes and businesses means that we are warm and cosy all year round and less energy is wasted through our walls, attics and windows so we’re saving money too!

Energy

The majority of heating in Dublin is supplied through district heating networks. Once the Tallaght District Heating Network launched in 2022, momentum built across the county. The Government fully supported this technology and introduced the necessary policies and supports to unlock the full potential of this network across the region. Once people saw how district heating saved them money on their bills and how reliable and safe it was, homes and businesses started to connect to the network. This increased trust and support means that now, in 2050, 87% of Dublin’s heat is supplied through district heating and the people living and working here no longer have to worry about their heating bills increasing because we’re no longer reliant on imports of gas and oil from other countries. Similarly, our electricity grid is running off 100% renewable energy. And although our electricity bills still come in, they are more predictable and affordable.

The Government provided a lot more opportunities for communities to work together to produce renewable energy across Dublin’s neighbourhoods. Not only did this improve the local economy and help us reduce emissions,  but our communities became more connected as we took charge of our energy use through local energy cooperatives. In many neighbourhoods across Dublin, energy is produced for and by the community in a way that is fair and includes everyone in the local area.

Transport

Reducing the number of cars in Dublin resulted in lower emissions but also provided other benefits such as safer streets with more space for people and healthier communities. It helped provide easier access for all residents of Dublin, especially those with disabilities and those who needed to move around with young children.

From 2030 onwards, public transport services began to improve at pace, buses were more reliable and more frequent meaning people began to trust the public transport system more. The Government invested in more segregated cycle lanes and greatly improved pedestrian access. People travelling through Dublin started to feel safe to cycle and walk places. As people moved away from their cars, they started to notice that there was less traffic on the road outside their home. There was a lot less noise. That smell from the exhaust pipes no longer hung in the air. The air started to feel fresher. People found that they actually wanted to spend more time outside. Children started playing on the roads again. Birds were seen in areas they had never been before. Electric vehicles became a lot more affordable, meaning that for those that needed a car an electric one was now a feasible option.

Quality of life

Dublin in 2050 has flourishing communities. People are noticeably happier and healthier.  With cleaner air and greener spaces, our plants, trees, animals and birds have been able to thrive. In 2022, we supported the necessary actions and changes needed to  generate our own clean, renewable energy through wind and solar.

By doing so, we created thousands of direct jobs for Dublin and boosted our economy.  It also meant that over the last twenty years our energy supply became more and more secure, meaning that in 2050, we are now completely self-sufficient and not reliant on any imports for our energy needs, ensuring that billions of euro  has stayed and will continue to stay within the Irish economy.

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