Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 514: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the financial supports he will provide to homeowners who wish to improve the energy efficiency of their houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32243/08]

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

Financial supports are available to homeowners under two schemes funded by my Department to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes. For households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit, the Warmer Homes Scheme managed by Sustainable Energy Ireland will install cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, a boiler lagging jacket, draught proofing measures and CFLs. Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use. These measures are provided free or at a token cost. I have made €5 million available to this scheme in 2008.

Other householders can avail of grants of up to 30% of the cost of energy efficiency improvement measures under the Home Energy Saving Scheme. I launched this scheme in 2008 on a pilot basis, in a limited number of areas, and with a budget of €5 million. This pilot phase, again managed by Sustainable Energy Ireland, is informing the design of a wider roll-out of the scheme in 2009. The Home Energy Saving Scheme grant aids cavity wall insulation, wall lining insulation, external insulation, attic insulation, heating controls and low emissivity double glazing.