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Energy Efficiency

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Questions (1007)

Carol Nolan

Question:

1007. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding will be urgently allocated to the SEAI for the better energy community scheme in order to ensure that communities and businesses can avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5128/20]

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Written answers

The Community Energy Grant Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).  The scheme funds community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area – homes, including those at risk of energy poverty, community facilities and businesses. It also encourages innovative measures and solutions. These partnerships can be between the public and private sectors, domestic and non-domestic sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations and energy suppliers, and leverage considerable additional private investment. This year has seen a significant increase in demand under the Scheme with a total of 52 applications received by the deadline of 31 January, 2020.  This demand is welcome and there has been increased demand across all the schemes offered by the SEAI. 

The total funding allocation for the Communities Scheme this year is €22 million which will fund projects under the traditional Communities scheme and a new “homes only” communities strand.  The total outturn under the Scheme in 2019 was €20.5 million.

The SEAI assesses applications in line with the application guidelines and I understand that SEAI have in recent weeks issued approval letters to successful applicants. 

It is important to note that the Community Energy Grant scheme is one of a number of schemes aimed at supporting households and businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their property. An allocation of €146 million has been provided for 2020, which represents the largest ever annual allocations for energy efficiency retrofit.

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