Written answers

Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Schemes

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the situation facing residents in an estate (details supplied) in County Louth; if the development received funding from Sustainable Energy Ireland; the amount of funding that was provided; if he has taken any steps to re-coup any of this money; if he has been in contact with the local authority or other stakeholders in relation to the situation at this estate; if he will intervene in this situation on behalf of local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39515/12]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I am advised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) that Carlinn Hall development project originally received grant approval in 2007 for funding of up to €1.14 million under the House of Tomorrow Programme. The objective of the Programme was to realise higher energy efficiency standards in new housing, and underpin the move to a 40% mandatory standard, thus reducing energy usage and lowering CO2 emissions.

Funding was paid on the basis of certified and receipted eligible expenditure. Grant aid of €400,000 was paid to Carlinn Hall in 2008, in addition to €16,000 for a Feasibility Study earlier that year. Site visits were undertaken to visibly inspect and to ensure the specifications were being adhered to, and that all features were included as required under the terms of the contract. The SEAI paid out on eligible expenditure only and no further payments were issued as there was no further expenditure on energy related features on the site. The remaining grant offer (€741,200) was revoked in November 2009 as no further payment requested were lodged with the SEAI.

While it is regrettable that occupancy of the development is currently low, the fact that the remaining properties are back on the market will hopefully mean that families will ultimately benefit from the superior design and energy performance features.

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