There has been an increase in grant levels for the Better Energy Homes scheme which Longford-Westmeath Fine Gael TD, Gabrielle McFadden believes will encourage more people to invest in energy efficiency improvements in their homes.
The Better Energy Homes Scheme provides grants to homeowners to undertake energy efficiency measures such as insulating walls or attics and installing new heating systems.
The cash value of every grant available to householders under the Better Energy Homes Scheme has now been increased by between 25-50 per cent. In addition, a bonus payment has been introduced which will see householders receive bonus payments if they complete three or more energy efficiency improvements.
“The new grant levels are effective immediately and will apply to everyone who has applied for a grant that has not yet been paid while the bonus payments are also available to new applicants and to householders who have already availed of the scheme who wish to undertake further upgrades,” she said.
Under the revised scheme, a family in a semi-detached house could benefit from a grant payment of up to €4,700 for external wall insulation, a boiler and heating control upgrade, and cavity and attic insulation. A couple in an apartment could receive €3,400 towards internal wall insulation, a boiler and heating control upgrade and the installation of solar thermal heating.
“Some 2,452 people in Westmeath have had their homes upgraded since the scheme began in 2009. The scheme, which was particularly popular during the worst years of the recession, has also helped keep a significant amount of people in employment.”
“Since the scheme was launched in 2009, more than 165,000 homes have undertaken energy efficiency upgrades with a total Government investment of €172m. These changes are designed to encourage wider participation in the scheme.
The Better Energy Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI ) on behalf of the Government. Full details on how to apply for the grants and the new grant levels are available at www.seai.ie
