Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

600. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the company awarded the contract to deliver the community energy programme in Inis Oirr, Árann in 2018; the reason for the delay in commencing this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31923/18]

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

The Better Energy Communities Scheme is funded by my Department and operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). €23m has been allocated to the Scheme in 2018. To date, 37 communities have been approved funding for energy upgrades to more than 1,200 homes and 400 communities and commercial facilities. These communities will have warmer and healthier buildings lower energy bills, and reduced harmful CO2 emissions as a result of these energy efficiency measures being carried out. The allocation of funds under this scheme is made by SEAI in line with the criteria they set. I understand that the project referred to by the Deputy has been successful in its 2018 application, subject to some adjustments to that application to ensure that it met the criteria set by SEAI. I understand that the private contractor involved has not accepted the letter of offer from SEAI, but SEAI remains available to support this community.