Home Energy Saving scheme open for applications

The €50m Home Energy Saving scheme is open for applications as of today. The scheme was launched in February as part of the government's national insulation programme for economic recovery, which also includes €50m towards the upgrade of low income and social housing.

The scheme is open to all houses built prior to 2006. Under the scheme, grants are available for energy upgrade measures including roof and wall insulation, high efficiency boilers and heating controls. A €200 grant is also available towards the cost of carrying out a Building Energy Rating assessment before and after the renovation.

Applications are invited through Sustainable Energy Ireland. Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan said, "Since I announced that I had secured the funding for this scheme, there has been an unprecedented level of interest from the public. Sustainable Energy Ireland has received 94,000 calls and website visits. SEI has assured me that from today applications received online will be processed in under 3 days. I am pleased that so soon after the initial announcement we are up and running, with all the proper procedures in place."

"We need even more qualified contractors to come on board in order to deliver this scheme. I would urge contractors to register with SEI and secure a major business boost for themselves in the process. The level of public interest is such that contractors can be assured of work for themselves and for new employees through this government scheme."

"Insulation is the single best way of saving money on energy. This scheme will see homeowners save up to €700 annually on their electricity bills. This, coupled with recent reductions in electricity prices is great news for consumers in these tight times."

Construction workers will benefit from the thousands of jobs this scheme will create. It's good news for our pockets, for the economy and for the environment."