Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 November 2015
212. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of homes in Counties Westmeath and Longford that have benefitted from the better energy warming homes scheme since its introduction; if any projects in either county have received funding under the better energy communities scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41899/15]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty, which meet the defined eligibility criteria. Homes of the scheme beneficiaries receive energy efficiency upgrades free of charge. Measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. From 2009 to end October 2015, 1,486 homes in Longford and 2,473 homes in Westmeath have received energy efficiency upgrades under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme.
The Better Energy Communities Scheme, also administered by the SEAI, supports partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of existing building stock, including homes vulnerable to energy poverty. Under the 2015 Better Energy Communities scheme, grants have been offered to projects in Westmeath and Longford, which include projects led by Barnardos, Musgraves and Longford Leisure Centre. In addition, previous iterations have seen grants were awarded to upgrade public lighting and nursing homes in Longford.
