Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2012
25. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider grant aiding the installation of double or triple glazed windows as part of existing home energy saving schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43506/12]
View answerWindow replacement works are not eligible for support under either Better Energy: Homes or Better Energy: Warmer Homes, both of which are operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The Better Energy: Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
These measures were selected for inclusion in the Scheme as they were deemed most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners, at least relative cost, and would thereby optimise the use of Exchequer funds while at the same time maximising the opportunities for homeowner participation.
Under the Better Energy: Workplaces grant scheme, also operated by the SEAI, commercial and public sector organisations may include the upgrade of windows as part of an application for funding. However, it should be noted that this scheme is a highly competitive one and that not all eligible projects will necessarily qualify for support.
As part of the Better Energy programme a number of energy suppliers are meeting their energy savings targets agreed as part of their Voluntary Agreements with the SEAI. A range of energy efficiency measures currently qualify for energy credits towards those targets including insulation and heating upgrades as well as high performance windows. I am further informed by the SEAI that high performance glazing replacement in existing window frames qualify for energy saving credits. The availability of credits for specific measures stimulates energy suppliers to promote the uptake of these measures more widely, as a means of achieving their targets.
I am advised that grants for window replacement are available to those over 60 under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, operated by local authorities on behalf of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. This means-tested scheme provides grants to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning and painting.
