Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2021
73. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grants available to sports clubs, resorts and golf clubs that would like to transition into carbon negative destinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28638/21]
View answerIreland has a highly diverse range of approximately 250,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). There are many useful resources available to these companies which are provided by bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the enterprise development agencies, Irish Water and others. In order to support companies in navigating the range of potential supports, my Department is collaborating with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other Government Departments and State Agencies to develop a ‘Climate Toolkit 4 Business’. The ‘Climate Toolkit 4 Business’ will provide a gateway for businesses to take action in reducing their emissions by providing information on their emissions, creating a tailored climate action plan and directing them to resources for their needs, whether it be energy use, transport, waste reduction or water usage.
My Department offers arrange of supports through the SEAI covering both energy efficiency and renewable energy as follows:
- Information, advisory and training services including SEAI Energy Academy (online resource) briefings, workshops, workplace resources, access to energy auditing services and case studies of best practice.
- Project Assistance: Grants for those organisations with large energy expenditure to help fund the development of feasibly studies and business cases for energy performance improvements.
- Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) grant scheme for organisations to undertake design, construction and commissioning projects that use the EXEED certification process.
- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat financially supports businesses in the adoption of renewable energy for heat, including heat pumps and heating systems that use biomass or biogas.
- The Better Energy Communities Scheme funds community-based partnerships (including homes, community facilities and businesses).
Accelerated Capital Allowances also allow businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.
