Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 April 2019
279. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for grant funding to be provided to home dwellers to insulate their houses using Irish wool (details supplied) in view of the number of houses here that have poor BER ratings; the similar initiatives that could help to revive the prospects of the sheep and wool sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15693/19]
View answerMy Department funds a number of home energy efficiency schemes which are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. These schemes aim to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, while also improving the comfort of the home and helping homeowners to save on their energy bills. Grants are available towards the cost of both attic and wall insulation. Homeowners must apply for a grant, either online or by post, and following receipt of grant approval use an SEAI registered contractor to carry out works in their home. Contractors installing insulation under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications. This document states under 6.4: “Materials to be used in the insulation of an attic at ceiling level must be manufactured to a relevant Irish, British or European Standard. Where novel insulating materials (e.g. Sheepswool, Hemp, Cellulosic Fibre) are being used, proof of quality control in product manufacture must be demonstrated in the Declaration of Works.”
Further details, including information on targeted U-values, are available at https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Domestic-Technical-Standards-and-Specifications.pdf
