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Energy Efficiency

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018

Tuesday, 30 January 2018

Ceisteanna (512)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the recently announced energy efficiency scheme for those in receipt of turf-cutting compensation; the way in which interested parties can submit an application; the types of work covered on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4061/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland is making progress on improving the energy efficiency of our residential sector, with a view to maximising progress towards our national target to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. Up to now there has been a focus on shallow energy efficiency measures in the residential sector. Such measures deliver energy efficiency savings for the lowest cost, and have helped build public awareness of energy efficiency in the residential sector. However, as stated in the National Mitigation Plan, to realise our potential for energy efficiency up to and beyond 2020 we must effect a change in both the level of activity and the depth of the measures undertaken in the residential sector.

The new Deep Retrofit Pilot scheme is funded by my Department and operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It will investigate the challenges and opportunities for providing deeper retrofits to the residential sector. I have allocated €5 million to the scheme for 2018. This funding will be used to support projects that achieve an A3 Building Energy Rating, and covers works such as insulation, window replacement, ventilation and renewable heating technologies. SEAI will fund up to 50% of the total capital and project management costs. The Deep Retrofit pilot will inform a model that can make deep retrofit available to individual homeowners on a larger scale, and critically will help Ireland move away from fossil fuels to clean renewable heating systems. Applications are currently open to community groups, local authorities, energy agencies or other organisations with the capacity to deliver successful projects. In order to maximise learnings from the pilot, successful applications should incorporate works to 5 or more homes.

The grant scheme for those in receipt payments under the Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme, referred to by the deputy will be delivered as a strand of the Deep Retrofit Pilot scheme. This is a great opportunity to support households, previously reliant on fossil fuels, to switch to clean renewable heating, make their homes warmer and improve air quality in their communities. SEAI are in the process of procuring community engagement expertise for this dedicated strand of the Deep Retrofit Pilot. Details will be announced shortly. In the meantime interested parties can contact SEAI directly, at info@seai.ie  or 1850 376 666.

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