Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he expects solar power to contribute to requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33674/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's solar thermal market is developing apace — in 2005, it is estimated that 5,000 M2 of solar thermal panels were sold in Ireland, representing 140% increase on the previous year, and a 350% increase since 2003. The sector is evolving at a rapid pace with a well-organised distribution system involving heating and plumbing merchants and large contractors, as well as self-build and individual operators.

It is anticipated that the €27m Greener Homes Scheme, which I launched in March this year and which is providing grants for householders for the purpose of installing renewable heat technologies, will impact significantly on the development of the market. In the 26-week period up to 25 September 2006 since the Greener Homes Scheme was launched 25% of the applications received have been for solar technologies.