Written answers
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Energy Efficiency
5:00 pm
Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will publish the National Energy Efficiency Plan; if there will be measures to combat fuel poverty included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10523/09]
Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's Energy Policy Framework identifies energy efficiency as the most cost effective means of reducing our dependence on imported energy, as well as mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The Government has set a target of 20% energy efficiency by 2020 and, recognising that the public sector must act as exemplars in the field of energy usage, has set a more stretching target of 33% energy efficiency, for the public sector, by 2020.
The Minister intends to publish The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan shortly. The Action Plan will encompass existing and planned measures across Government to alleviate fuel poverty through structural energy efficiency improvements in the housing stock.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the greener homes schemes; the number of applicants waiting to receive grants; the number of grants that were awarded in 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10499/09]
Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Greener Homes Scheme, since its launch in March 2006, has provided support for home owners investing in renewable energy heating technologies. The scheme has evolved over that period, supported by appropriate budgetary allocations year on year. Phase III was launched in July 2008 and continues to support the installation of a variety of technologies in existing homes.
Under the Scheme 8,385 grants were paid in 2007 and 9,643 were paid in 2008. There are 203 new applications currently being processed, amounting to funding of just over â¬286,000.
5,235 applicants have received letters of offer, but have not yet forwarded a request for payment to Sustainable Energy Ireland. There are a total of 660 requests for payment in the processing cycle.
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