Funds for energy assessment grants boosted

A home energy assessment scheme operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has had its funding increased fourfold as the government plans to roll it out across the country.


The Home Energy Saving scheme was trialled this year and was given funds of Euro 5m in the 2008 budget.

For 2009, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan boosted the available funds to Euro 20m.

During the trial, people living in Limerick, Clare and north Tipperary were given a Euro 150 grant to have their domestic energy use assessed.

Using the information they could then use a grant of up to Euro 2,500 to carry out improvements such as installing insulation or double glazing on their home to make it more energy efficient.

Johnny Flynn, chairman of Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet, told the Independent that he approved of extending the scheme.

“It’s fantastic that the Government looks set to expand the pilot project,” he said.

Mr Flynn added: “It seems that money is now being really directed towards tackling the problems within existing homes and that has to be welcomed.”

SEI was setup in 2002 to assist in the development of sustainable energy in Ireland.

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