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Sustainable Energy Communities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021

Wednesday, 5 May 2021

Questions (153)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

153. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received a letter from a company (details supplied) in relation to changes to the SEAI communities grant scheme; if the issues set out in same will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23151/21]

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Written answers

The Communities Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme which is funded by my Department and operated by the SEAI, makes grant funding available for community-based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area.  The guidelines for the scheme indicate that it is designed to support cross-sectoral, partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits.  The 2021 budget for the scheme is €30 million, a €10 million increase on the allocation in 2020.  This is in the context of an overall budget of €221.5 million for SEAI residential and community grant schemes this year. The Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years.  The requirement for a small number of homes to be incorporated in all CEG applications was included in the context of these ambitious home retrofit targets.  Homes are a core element of every community so it is entirely reasonable that they be included in applications for grant support under this scheme. 

This requirement is not intended to exclude any applicant.  The scheme requires just one home to be included in applications for it to be deemed in line with the relevant criteria.  I am informed that the company referred to in the Question has made a successful application under the scheme this year within the existing requirements.  It is noteworthy that demand for the scheme under the existing guidelines has been very strong - applications with a value in excess of €30 million have been received by SEAI under the most recent call for projects.  This indicates that the requirement for homes to be included in projects has not impacted negatively on uptake.  No decision has been taken in relation changes to the scheme requirements for future calls for projects. 

It should also be noted that a range of other supports and schemes for businesses are also funded by my Department and operated by SEAI.  These include:

- The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) grant scheme supporting businesses to undertake design, construction and commissioning projects using the EXEED certification process.

- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat – financially supporting businesses in adopting renewable energy for heat including heat pumps and heating systems using biomass or biogas.

- Project Assistance Grants helping fund feasibility studies and business cases for energy performance improvements.

- Training (SEAI Energy Academy), information and advisory service, access to energy auditing services and case studies of best practice.

- Large Industry Energy Network where members work together to improve energy performance and share experiences.

There is also the Accelerated Capital Allowances process operated by Revenue which allows businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.

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