Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Gould for asking the question, which I know he has raised previously in the House. My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the domestic technical standards and specifications, as well as best practice and technical guidance documents, including NSAI S.R. 54, the 2014 code of practice for the energy efficient retrofitting of dwellings.

The SEAI has informed my officials that there is no rule precluding homes with stone wall cladding from applying for grant support. Homeowners should engage with their contractor or one-stop shop to determine the appropriate type of energy upgrade for their home.

I understand that further guidelines are due to be published later this year with regard to more historic dwellings, which will help to inform and encourage homeowners with such buildings to be able to take energy efficiency measures.

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