Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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415. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm the uptake of the energy efficiency retrofit fund which was announced as part of Budget 2013; and if he will indicate how successful the planned leveraging of funds from the private sector, in order to match the contribution from his Department, has been. [23063/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Energy Efficiency Fund (the Fund) will be established to provide finance to energy efficiency initiatives in the public and private sectors. The aim is to attract matching funding from the private sector, such that the overall amount available for investment is greater than €70 million.

NewERA has been asked by Government to coordinate establishment of the Fund and ensure it is appropriately managed. It has recently concluded an extensive period of engagement with sector participants and parties with experience in making and managing investments in the energy efficiency sector.

My Department is currently evaluating a number of issues associated with the Fund’s establishment, including important legal considerations. I anticipate being in a position to make an announcement on the Fund in the near future.