Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cúiv, today launched an energy sustainability programme for the Aran Islands.
The programme comprises a feasibility study on a wind and tidal powered energy network for the islands and effective from 1st January 2009, a 50 per cent increase in grant assistance for energy efficiency, to applicants from the offshore islands.
Support available under the following energy efficiency grant schemes administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will be increased by half:
· The Greener Homes Scheme Phase III which allows homeowners to install energy efficient technologies such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and biomass boilers and stoves, at a subsidised cost.
· The Home Energy Saving Scheme which permits homeowners to receive a subsidised BER energy assessment, and have the required insulation works (for example attic insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing) carried out at a subsidised cost. It is envisaged that it will be launched on a nationwide basis in 2009.
Commenting on this initiative, Minister Ryan said;
“The offshore islands are a microcosm of the energy challenges facing Ireland. Like the rest of the country, the islands too are dependent on energy imports; experience high fuel costs and have a housing stock which could benefit enormously from an energy efficiency upgrade. This initiative will show, with energy-proofed homes and a wind and ocean powered energy network, not only the potential benefits for the islands, but the potential sustainable energy opportunities for wider Ireland.”
Minister Ó Cúiv stated:
“Today’s announcement means that our islands will be energy independent, access a clean and cheap energy supply and have warmer, better-insulated homes. In these challenging economic times, the benefits will be significant, creating numerous jobs and attracting new, inward investment. I am delighted to launch this initiative, which will boost the islands in economic terms, and see them setting the mark in energy sustainability.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
The Greener Homes Scheme Phase III allows homeowners to install energy efficient technologies such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and biomass boilers and stoves, at a subsidised cost. Over 22,000 individuals have already had their applications approved with an approximate carbon saving of approximately 30,000 tonnes annually. It is open for applicants living in houses of one year or older.
The Home Energy Saving Scheme has been operating on a pilot basis in recent months in counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Louth. Clustered applications were also accepted in other parts of the country. With 2009 funding of €20m announced in the Budget, it is envisaged that the scheme will be run on a nationwide basis in 2009. While the design of the nationwide scheme has not been finalised as yet, it is likely to involve grants of in the region of 30% towards the cost of wall and roof insulation, low-e windows and heating controls such as thermostatic radiator valves, zoning etc. Based on the experience of the 2008 pilot phase, homeowners availing of the scheme can typically expect to save up to €700 per year or 50% of their heating bills. The scheme will be of most benefit to homes built prior to 1980, which in general tend to be poorly insulated and energy inefficient.
For more on these schemes, see: www.sei.ie
For further information, contact the Press Office at:
Tel. 01 6782441
Fax. 01 6782739
Email. press.office@dcenr.gov.ie