Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1543. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the funding for the scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and local authorities to improve the energy performance of older local authority housing stock is to be cut by 40% in October 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31252/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Neither my Department nor the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland operate any programmes specifically targeted at improving the energy performance of older local authority housing stock. A scheme known as Better Energy Communities, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department does, however, support partnerships to improve the thermal and electrical efficiency of existing building stock and homes vulnerable to energy poverty. These partnerships can involve local authorities working with other actors to improve the energy efficiency of local authority housing stock. This year, 29 projects received grant allocations totalling €18.6m under the Better Energy Communities scheme. 14 of these projects involve partnerships with local authorities. It is anticipated that these projects will improve the energy efficiency of 2,435 homes and 400 public, private and community buildings in 2015.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government operate the Social Housing Investment Programme. An element of this programme is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the social housing stock. The operation and funding of that Programme is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.