Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1042: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to expand the greener homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11868/08]

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

The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. There has been a strong interest in the scheme since it was launched in March 2006.

On foot of the achievement of the original scheme targets three years ahead of schedule, Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme was closed on 3 September 2007. Phase II of the scheme was opened on 1 October 2007 with assistance still provided under the above mentioned headings.

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 in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards discerning choices. Continuing the scheme is helping secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry.

The Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under review and will continue to evolve in light of the maturing technologies and market developments.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1043: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the importance of providing incentives to home owners to retrofit renewable energy products in their homes; his proposals to prioritise this important issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11870/08]

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

Expanding the use of renewable energy technologies in new and existing homes is a key priority for the Government. The Greener Homes Scheme provides incentives for all homeowners to install renewable energy heating products in their homes. This scheme, which has been in operation since March 2006, provides support for a range of eligible technologies including heat pumps, solar panels and biomass boilers and stoves. Grant support ranges from €1,100 to €3,500 for heat pumps and boilers and €250/€300/M2 for solar panels.

To date, in excess of 19,000 applications have been approved, with over 11,000 installations in place.