Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the scheme of financial assistance administered by local authorities for improvement of listed buildings does not allow the retro fitting of solar panels in these houses; if he will reconsider this policy approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24381/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department funds a scheme of grants for the conservation of protected structures, which is administered by local authorities. A total of 603 projects were funded from the scheme in 2007. Almost €7m has been provided for the scheme this year, an increase of 17% on the amount spent last year.

The purpose of the scheme is to assist owners or occupiers of structures of architectural heritage significance, which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures contained in the relevant Local Authority Development Plan, to undertake necessary works to secure the conservation of the structure or part of the structure. It typically supports conservation works on thatched roofs, shop fronts, timber sash windows and repair and conservation of features of architectural significance generally. It is not designed to assist in carrying out routine maintenance, alterations or improvements and the fitting of solar panels is, therefore, not appropriate to it. However, I understand that grants for the fitting of solar panels are available under the Greener Homes Scheme administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.