Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2009
1129 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will introduce the new national scheme for house insulation; what conditions are attached to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1720/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra1132 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he plans to reopen the home energy saving scheme; the level of funding which will be available for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1091/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra1142 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the person who is administering a scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the potential applicants from all areas of the county. [1470/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1129, 1132 and 1142 together.
The improvement of energy efficiency in the building stock is one of the most cost effective ways of reducing emissions and energy bills and is a key Government priority as reflected in the significant funding provided in Budget 2009. Energy efficiency measures to tackle deficiencies in households will also support employment in the construction sector.
Experience of the pilot phase of the Home Energy Saving Scheme in 2008 has demonstrated that there is considerable demand for a support scheme for energy efficiency measures, not only among householders, but also among building energy rating assessors, product manufacturers, installers and other market actors. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) estimates that demand among householders across the country could well exceed 100,000 homes over the lifetime of the scheme. Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 on their energy bills if they implement the full suite of measures being proposed under the national scheme.
SEI is at present finalising the details for the national roll-out of the Home Energy Savings scheme and I intend to announce the details of the scheme shortly. While the pilot phase of the Scheme last year did not specifically include Mayo, it will of course be included in the national scheme.
