Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 68: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the funding and number of applicants for the second phase of the greener homes scheme post budget 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35624/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The aim 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.

The scheme provides grants for householders for the installation of renewable heating technologies including wood biomass boilers and stoves, solar panels and heat pumps.

€28 million has been provided for the Greener Homes Scheme in 2008. This includes additional funding of €2m announced in Budget 2008 for new technologies which I plan to introduce in the new year. Programmes for these new technologies will be developed by Sustainable Energy Ireland, in consultation with my Department. There have been almost 1900 applications received to date under Phase II of the Greener Homes Scheme.

Phase II of the Greener Homes Scheme was launched on 1st October with several adjustments reflecting the evolution in the market for domestic renewable technologies. The grant levels have been reduced for some technologies where 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 products that continue to be grant aided under Phase II are solar panels, wood pellet and woodchip boilers and geothermal pumps.

Phase II aims to further consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not grant dependent. In this way Phase II will help secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and greater stability across the renewable heating industry. 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 Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under review and will continue to evolve in light of the maturing of technologies and market developments.