Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a decision has been made on an application for approval of a thermodynamic solar hot water system under the better energy homes grants scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56056/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since 2000, over 450,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light.

Under the Better Energy Homes scheme, a grant of €1,200 is available for Solar Water Heating installation. The installation must meet the minimum annual solar renewable energy contribution based on the floor area of the dwelling. Full details of the technical criteria can be found in the Domestic Technical Standards and Specification (DTSS) publication available on the SEAI website.

Applications under SEAI schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI.  As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. However, my officials have made further contact with SEAI in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy. 

I have been informed by the SEAI that an application was submitted on behalf of the applicant on 14^thOctober and is with SEAI’s technical team for review. A request for further information was sent to the applicant by SEAI on 28^thOctober and they have received no response to date. SEAI contacted the applicant again on 12^thNovember offering their assistance.