James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a grant for the installation of stoves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52466/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Government funds a number of energy efficiency grants for homes which are operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.  The grants promote a fabric first approach – advising people to first reduce heat losses by installing insulation and ventilation, making it easier to keep a home warmer and more comfortable for longer periods, before moving to installation of new or renewable heating systems. The individual measures that are currently funded were selected for inclusion as they were deemed most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners, at least relative cost, and would thereby optimise the use of Exchequer funds while at the same time maximising the opportunities for homeowner participation.

I am aware that an increase in the use of stoves for home heating can be a cause of increased air pollution, particularly where such stoves replace cleaner, less air polluting fuels such as gas. Any increase in air pollution is a concern given its public health impacts.

That is why installation of wood burning stoves can only be funded as part of a deeper energy efficiency upgrade – achieving an A3 Building Energy Rating - via the Deep Retrofit Programme or the Better Energy Communities scheme. Stoves installed must meet certain requirements; the specification is available on SEAI’s website.

In addition, the Energy Efficiency Obligation requires all energy suppliers above a certain threshold to work with their customers to deliver energy savings. The replacement of an open fire with a solid fuel, biomass or gas fired room heater can save homeowners money and is an eligible measure under this scheme. Some suppliers offer their customers rebates for replacing open fires in their homes.  If a customer would like to pursue this option they will need to contact their energy supplier directly or they can obtain more information from the SEAI.