Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
106. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35824/20]
View answerThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat was developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.
The Government assigned the administration of the scheme to the SEAI who evaluate applications, approve projects and process payments. I, as Minister, therefore do not have a role in relation to individual applications and any queries in relation to specific projects should be directed to the SEAI.
I am informed by the SEAI that there have been over 90 applications received and almost 50 projects approved for funding. The projects approved to date will lead to annual support payments of up to €1.2 million.
In order for a project to proceed from approval to being eligible for payment, they must demonstrate to the SEAI that they have met all the terms and conditions of the scheme. This includes demonstrating that they have all relevant permits and licences and are operating within them.
I understand that a number of projects are having difficulty demonstrating full compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme and I have raised this issue with the SEAI.
The SEAI have undertaken to work with applicants to assist them in demonstrating the necessary compliance with the terms and conditions and I expect this work will lead to projects progressing to being eligible for payment over the coming weeks.
