David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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129. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of applications received under the support scheme for renewable heat; the number of applications approved and financed to date; the amount paid out under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21724/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat was developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.

The Scheme, which is operated by the SEAI, is comprised of two elements, an installation grant of up to 30% for heat pumps and an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems.  In terms of the operational support element, eligible renewable energy technologies are supported through a multi-annual payment, for a period of up to 15 years, on the basis of prescribed tariffs. The National Development Plan sets out an allocation of €300 million for the roll-out of the scheme for the period up to 2027.  The scheme has a maximum annual budget currently set at €5 million.

SEAI inform me there have been five valid applications for the heat pump grant and 79 valid applications for operational support.  A total of two applications for the heat pump grant and 40 applications for operational support have been approved giving a commitment of up to €16,200 in grant payments and up to €1,118,131 annually in operational payments. No monies have so far been paid out.

The SEAI are working with applicants whose applications and projects are impacted by Covid-19. Where an applicant has a specific query, this should be addressed to SEAI.