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Energy Efficiency

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Ceisteanna (1001)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1001. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated number of family homes likely to be retrofitted on foot of a budget of €160 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4933/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is funded by my Department to administer energy efficiency grant schemes for both the residential and commercial sector. At €146 million, the 2020 budget allocation for energy efficiency is the highest ever.  This represents a €29 million increase over the 2019 budget and a nearly three-fold increase on 2016 funding.  This funding will be used to upgrade approximately 23,200 homes and 800 businesses across the country.  It will also help towards the achievement of our Climate Action Plan targets.  The number of homes that could be retrofitted for a budget of €160 million would depend on the mix of energy poor homes that would be fully funded by the Exchequer and those that would receive lower levels of grant support.

The Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target of 500,000 energy efficiency retrofits by 2030.  Achievement of this target will be supported by the Project Ireland 2040 allocation of €3.7 billion as well as the range of measures identified in the Plan.

To deliver our target, a Retrofit Taskforce has been established which will develop a new retrofitting delivery model. Our plan will:

- Group homes in the same area together to drive down cost;

- Start with social homes owned by the local authorities, but will embrace privately owned homes in the wider community;

- Develop smart finance options; and

- Introduce easy pay back models.

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