Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Energy Conservation Project.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

165 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the plans for a project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if she will support the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29319/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob):

In September of this year I launched a 21.1 million initiative – £16.6 million – entitled the House of Tomorrow programme which offers support for research, development and demonstration projects aimed at generating and applying technologies, products, systems, practices and information leading to more sustainable energy performance in Irish housing. This programme may be of relevance to the Development Association and its proposed development of five energy efficiency-ecological houses and a community green centre.

The Irish Energy Centre, which is based in Glasnevin in Dublin, implements initiatives on the promotion of energy conservation on behalf of my Department and is implementing the House of Tomorrow programme. The centre has issued a call for proposals seeking funding for the design and construction of new houses which demonstrate best available energy practice.

It may be of interest for the association to contact the centre directly for further information. The co-ordinator for the project is Ms Aine Lavelle and she can be contacted at 01-8082086 or e-mail [e-mail]. Alternatively, further detail can be had from their website www.irish-energy.ie.