Noel Treacy
Ceist:51 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the measures, if any, implemented by him in 1996 for both energy saving and efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2218/96]
Written Answers. - Energy Saving and Efficiency.
My Department recently agreed a work programme for 1996 with the Irish Energy Centre. Under the economic infrastructure operational programme 1994-99, the centre has a budget of approximately £21 million. The allocation for 1996 is £4.925 million and the following are the principal measures which will be implemented by the centre during the year.
The two grant schemes launched in late 1994 will be continued. The first of these schemes is the energy audit grant scheme, under which grants of up to 40 per cent are available to energy users in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors towards the cost of energy audits. The allocation for this activity in 1996 is £350,000.
The second grant scheme is the energy efficiency support scheme. This provides grant assistance of up to 40 per cent of the cost of implementing the recommendations of audits. Additionally, it targets specific energy efficient technologies. The allocation for this scheme in 1996 is £1.925 million.
Under the technical advice measure, the Irish Energy Centre will support the Renewable Energy Information Office in Bandon and the launch of a national energy efficiency training initiative. It will also produce good practice guides on energy efficient technologies and support them through an integrated package of promotional seminars, conferences, etc. It will also promote EU programmes such as Joule, Thermie, SAVE and Altener, as well as pursuing a number of sectoral energy awareness initiatives. A total of £1.4 million is available for these activities in 1996.
The energy conservation and efficiency promotional work of the Irish Energy Centre, such as energy awareness week, the development of communications, strategy and the engagement of trade allies in pursuit of its objectives, and the reinforcement of a variety of educational initiatives will also continue in 1996. The budget available for these activities and general monitoring, measurement and assessment of its overall work programme amounts to £0.945 million in 1996.
The Irish Energy Centre will continue to support the work of Energy Action, Dublin, and seek to replicate that model in other parts of the country. A number of other pilot initiatives will also be pursued. The budget available here amounts to £0.305 million.