Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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446. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if funding is available for a hotel on an island to upgrade its heating system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16256/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Better Energy Communities Programme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grant support for projects that deliver efficiency improvements to a combination of homes, community facilities and businesses in a local community. Partnerships are sought between the public and private sectors, domestic and non-domestic sectors, including commercial and not-for-profit organisations and energy suppliers. Projects are evaluated through a competitive process and although the application period for projects in 2015 has closed, another call for applications will take place in early 2016. The Deputy may wish to direct any specific enquiry regarding eligibility to the SEAI.

A dedicated support programme for small to medium energy users has also been operated by the SEAI since 2008. The programme offers free energy management advice, mentoring, training and other support services to any business willing to show a commitment to becoming more energy efficient. This service delivery includes the provision of an initial energy audit and offers a structured approach to energy management, in a form that can be adapted and tailored to the level of energy costs in the company. The programme has been successful in identifying and assisting in the implementation of energy efficiency retrofits in a large number of commercial buildings.