Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications received in his Department for each county, under the provision of alternative energy in the home scheme; and his reason for the reduction in grant aid under this scheme. [24294/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The objective of the Greener Homes scheme is to stimulate consumer investment in renewable heating solutions and to develop the market for renewable technologies and fuels, thereby reducing CO2 emissions in the domestic sector. Since the scheme was launched there has been an exponential increase in renewable technology suppliers and a ten-fold expansion in the number of renewable energy products available on the market. This clearly demonstrates the very significant level of market development since the scheme was first launched.

The first phase of the scheme achieved all of its objectives speedily and effectively. Consequently, the grant levels are being reduced for some technologies where it is clear that the market has reached a level of maturity to allow it to continue at a lower rate of support. Other grant levels remain unchanged. The objective in Greener Homes Phase II is to consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not grant-dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for these products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly, allowing suppliers and installers to consolidate their market offerings ahead of an unsubsidised market.

The new building regulations announced recently by my colleague, John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, will mandate the use of renewable heating systems in all new buildings which should provide a further boost to the development of these technologies. In Phase I of the Greener Homes which ran from April 2006 to August 2007 a total of 19,576 applications were received of which 16,831 grants were approved. It is too early into Phase II to give a breakdown by county of applications. The table shows a breakdown of approved applications by county for Phase I.