Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
134. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are grants available to purify water systems for drinking water under the BEH scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52238/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since 2000, over 450,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light.
The Better Energy Homes scheme provides grants to homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Fixed grants covering around 30% of the works are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER). Further information on the Better Energy Homes grants available to private homeowners can be found at: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/.
It is important to note that the grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer.
Water purifying systems are not an energy efficiency measure and therefore, there are no grants for these systems under the Better Energy Homes scheme.
The Deputy may wish to note that there are other grants and schemes available from Government that may be relevant. This includes Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Grant for the Improvement to a Private Water Supply which is administered by housing authorities. More information can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1d9d8-private-wells/.
