Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
171. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the SEAI better energy communities grant scheme funded by his Department will open for applications given that hospitality businesses need to carry out such work in the low season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Communities Energy Grant Scheme is part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme aimed at upgrading building stock and facilities to high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, thereby reducing fossil fuel usage, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The Scheme supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits.
Demand for the CEG Scheme has been very strong since the launch of this year’s Call for Projects in March. To date, 17 contracts with a grant value of over €42 million have been issued by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and a further 7 applications are currently under evaluation within the SEAI. All of which points to a strong pipeline of works under the scheme for the remainder of this year and into 2023. The SEAI has confirmed that the Community Energy Grant Scheme remains open to applications from interested organisations.
There are also a suite of further supports for businesses available through SEAI, including:
- Energy Academy – an online learning platform for business to help them reduce their energy costs
- Climate Toolkit 4 Business – allows a business to estimate their carbon footprint and provides a personalised action plan
- Energy Audit scheme – voucher for €2,000 towards the cost of an energy audit
- EXEED certified grant – support scheme for business for major energy projects
- Support Scheme for renewable Heat (SSRH) – scheme supporting installation of renewable heat systems; bioenergy and heat pumps
- Accelerated Capital Allowance - tax incentive encouraging investment in energy saving products.
