Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the supports that can be made available to a person (details supplied) to assist with the provision and conservation of energy in their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5347/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) is a scheme for the repair and conservation of structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures (RPS). It is designed to leverage private capital for investment in small-scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled conservation professionals. Match-funded grants of up to €15,000 may be awarded under this scheme.

Under the BHIS, owners of eligible historic properties may apply for funding to assist with certain conservation-appropriate energy-efficiency measures in their home. 

In order to qualify the works must be appropriately detailed, using materials suitable for use in an historic building, and specified by a qualified conservation professional. The building must be in good repair and well-maintained.

Qualifying energy efficiency works may include:

- Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings

- Attic/loft insulation to pitched roofs

- Replacement of outdated services with high-efficiency units and updated controls

- Repair and upgrading of historic window shutters

- Installation of appropriately detailed secondary glazing

- Insulation of suspended timber floors

For further information and advice on carrying out works to a protected structure and the BHIS, the owner is advised to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer within the relevant local authority.

My Department has also published advice for owners/custodians of historic buildings on how to improve their energy efficiency. This document is entitled ‘Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings’ and is available on my Department’s National Inventory of Architectural Heritage  website at the following link: buildingsofireland.ie/resources.

My Department is currently liaising with SEAI and others to publish more detailed technical guidance later this year on the subject of improving energy efficiency in historic/traditional buildings. The implications for grant schemes will be considered once the guidance is finalised.