Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
155. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason an application by an organisation (details supplied) for funding for the Community Energy Grant Application for 2021 have had all its applications rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23247/21]
View answerThe SEAI Community Energy Grant Programme call opened in November 2020. To date SEAI has approved 39 project applications incorporating 538 buildings and 619 homes across the country. The grant value of these offerings is €35 million and the total value of the investment is €100 million. The evaluation process and scheme scoring criteria is outlined in the application guidelines. A briefing session for Project Co-ordinators was also provided in October for prospective applicants.
I am informed by SEAI that two applications for funding under the scheme were received from the agency referenced by the Deputy. Although funding was approved for both projects, some project elements (Community and Resource Centres) were removed during the evaluation process because their inclusion impacted negatively on the overall value for money score. Some issues with elements of the applications also arose during the evaluation process.
Following recent correspondence, SEAI has reviewed both projects and has now reengaged with the applicants with a view to finding a resolution that is in full compliance with the scheme guidelines.
