Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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561. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if public buildings, including schools, are eligible for financial assistance from his Department, or from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, in respect of energy efficiency measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4184/16]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides technical assistance and support to public sector bodies and schools to help them to meet the challenging target set for the public sector of improving energy efficiency by 33% by 2020. The public sector is currently half way to this target.

Assistance for public sector bodies is available under the SEAI's Public Sector Programme, where energy management training, technical advice, and funding for project development (including energy efficiency upgrades to public buildings), is provided. More information is available at: .

The “Energy in Education” Programme provides training and guidance in energy management to schools. It helps them better monitor and manage their energy use and identify how they can become more energy efficient and reduce their energy spend. This has been proven to be an effective approach in helping schools make significant savings on their energy spend, freeing up funds they would otherwise spend on energy for their other priorities. Schools have demonstrated they can save up to 10% on energy bills through low or no cost energy saving measures and save significantly more by implementing upgrades like boiler controls and lighting upgrades. Further information on this initiative is available on the SEAI website at: .

There is also an opportunity for schools to participate in the Better Energy Communities initiative operated by the SEAI by combining with other community partners. This initiative will make available up to €20 million in funding provided by my Department in 2016. Details of this programme including guidelines and application forms are available on the SEAI website at: The closing date for completed applications is 26 February.

The SEAI would be happy to provide the Deputy with more information on the operation of these programmes and schemes. They can be contacted using the dedicated email for Oireachtas members at .