Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
137. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant for lighting available for schools to switch to more carbon-friendly LED lighting; if not, if such a grant is planned for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9538/22]
View answerCapital funding for Schools is generally a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills and my Department does not provide specific broad based grant support for the type of works indicated. However, my Department does fund a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy supports to public bodies, including schools, to educate and enable them to improve their energy efficiency and decarbonise their activities.
The Climate Action Plan sets the public sector ambitious 2030 targets of achieving 50% energy efficiency improvement (increased from 33% by 2020) and 51% emissions reduction. Relevant, initiatives to support the achievement of these targets include:
- The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme, an energy management and advisory programme, which provides comprehensive support and engagement, including training and the sharing of best practices, to guide public sector bodies and schools in delivering energy efficiency improvements; and,
- The Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, co-funded with the Department of Education and Skills, which provides capital supports to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings. My Departments' contribution to the 2022 schools initiative is over €11 million, which will see 6 schools benefiting from a selection of energy efficiency works.
Further information is available on the SEAI website, www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/). Information for schools is also available: /www.seai.ie/community-energy/schools/save-energy-at-school/
