Galway Senator Niall O Brolchain has welcomed new figures from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland showing that the national insulation schemes have saved money for more than 7,000 households in Galway and have helped to reduce fuel poverty.
Figures recently released by the SEAI show that over the past two years 5,228 Galway homes received grants under the Home Energy Savings Scheme, which provides grants for insulation and energy-efficient boilers, while 1,872 households have benefited from the Warmer Homes Scheme, which fully funds insulation and draught-proofing for low-income households.
“I’m delighted to hear from the SEAI that these schemes have been such a huge success in Galway, with more than seven thousand families and individuals benefiting,” said Senator O Brolchain. “The Green Party introduced the Home Energy Saving Scheme in order to save people money, to create and to save jobs in the construction industry, and that is exactly what has happened.
“We have been working hard at a local level to ensure that these schemes are fully available to the people of Galway,” he added. “The benefits of these schemes are particularly important right now. With temperatures reaching an almost unbelievable minus 12 degrees in Galway recently, houses with good insulation are certainly noticing the difference. More insulation and more efficient boilers mean warmer homes and less money spent burning expensive oil.
“These schemes are very important for families and households during our increasingly colder winters. Some experts are suggesting that we are likely to see colder winters and warmer summers every year from now on as a result of global climate change. It is vital that we prepare properly for this.
“Galway people can now save significant amounts of money on every heating bill with a properly insulated home. The Warmer Homes Scheme is aimed at low-income households and is saving money and providing insulation for those who need it the most.”
Both the Warmer Homes Scheme and Home Energy Saving Scheme are still open for applications. Information on the schemes, including how to apply, is available from the SEAI on its website, www.seai.ie/Grants, or by phone on 1850 927000 for the Home Energy Saving Scheme or 1800 250 204 for the Warmer Homes Scheme.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who feels they are spending too much money on their heating bills to apply for these grants,” Senator O Brolchain said.
