Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

265. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he examines energy requirements in respect of home heating and reducing dependency on fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16646/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, published in December last, sets out a vision and a framework to guide Irish energy policy up to 2030, aimed at transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050.  The White Paper envisages the increased use of electricity and bioenergy to heat homes and contains commitments to develop a comprehensive heating strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of the sector and a policy framework for district heating. In addition, the Programme for Government sets out a range of priority climate actions and interventions, a number of which have a direct bearing on the energy sector. In combination, these will help to increase and diversify Ireland’s renewable energy mix across the electricity, heating and transport sectors.

Currently, there are a range of grant offerings available to householders who wish to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes and therefore reduce use of fossil fuels. The Better Energy Homes scheme provides fixed grants towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme provides energy efficiency upgrades provided free of charge to those households who are in energy poverty and meet the application criteria. Measures are provided under the scheme on an as needed basis and include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. Finally, the Better Energy Communities scheme is open to applications from communities who want to improve the energy efficiency of a range of buildings in their community from homes, to business and shared community facilities.