Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1291. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when phase two energy refit funding will be allocated to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24598/18]
View answerThe Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme, which commenced in 2013 to improve the energy efficiency and comfort levels in local authority homes, is being implemented in a number of phases. Funding of some €115.7 million has been provided from 2013 to the end of 2017 to improve almost 64,000 local authority homes, benefitting those at risk of fuel poverty and making a significant contribution to Ireland’s carbon emissions reduction targets and energy reduction targets for 2020.
Phase 1 of the Programme focused on providing attic/roof insulation and the less intrusive cavity wall insulation and is expected to be completed this year. Phase 2 will focus on the external fabric upgrade of those social housing units with solid/hollow block wall construction and has been successfully piloted by Westmeath and Fingal County Councils.
My Department has recently contacted all local authorities seeking details of their work proposals under both phases of the Programme in 2018. Following analysis of these proposals, funding allocations will be issued to local authorities and Phase 2 will be rolled out nationally. As Phase 2 attracts co-funding at a rate of 50% under the European Regional Development Fund 2014 – 2020 it must be implemented in accordance with all relevant EU regulations and the management and control procedures, including procurement, as required by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
