Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 427: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications received in 2007 for grants for the provision of energy saving solar panels and wood chip boilers. [5526/08]

Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 428: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimated number of applications expected by his Department for energy saving products, that is, solar panels, wood chip boilers and geothermal units in 2008. [5527/08]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) currently has two programmes that provide financial supports to those interested in renewable energy based heating systems. The Greener Homes Scheme aimed at householders grant aids the installation of geothermal heat pump, wood pellet or solar thermal systems for space heating and/or hot water. The Renewable Heat (ReHeat) Deployment Programme provides assistance for the deployment of renewable heating systems in industrial, commercial, public and community premises in Ireland. Under the ReHeat Deployment programme, grants are available for the deployment of renewable heating systems including boilers fuelled by wood chips and/or wood pellets, solar thermal systems and geothermal heat pumps. These systems are typically significantly larger than those installed under the Greener Homes Scheme.

The number of approved applications under the Greener Homes Scheme in 2007 was 9,453. The number of approved applications under the ReHeat Scheme in 2007 was 158. To date in 2008, SEI is approving, on average, 200 applications per week under the Greener Homes Scheme. To date in 2008, SEI is approving, on average, 5-6 applications per week under the ReHeat Scheme.