The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has issued a call for communities to apply for the €13.5 million available for energy efficiency upgrades and improvements particularly to energy poor homes. Funding is available this year for the two community programmes which include:
- €8.5 million for Better Energy Communities which will provide funding for pioneering partnerships to achieve energy efficiency through building retrofits within Irish communities.
- €5 million for Better Energy Area Based Programme which will provide funding for projects to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to energy poor households.
For the purpose of this call communities can be a collective term connecting one or many organisations wishing to develop a project in one or multiple locations. SEAI is seeking innovative and pioneering partnerships for delivery between e.g. the public and private sectors, domestic and non-domestic sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations and energy suppliers. Suitable projects must be completed by Friday 31st October 2014. Interested parties should register their interest by contacting bec2014@seai.ie .
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. said: “Better Energy Communities has brought huge benefits to participating communities over the last few years, showing the value of cooperation and local action in achieving energy efficiency savings. This programme has been a great boost for all homeowners, communities and companies involved, and I’d encourage people to start working together to see how they too can build on these positive experiences.”
SEAI Chief Executive, Dr. Brian Motherway said: “This year the Better Energy community programmes are all about using innovative approaches to deliver energy upgrades to even more homes and community buildings. We know that last year communities improved the energy efficiency of thousands of buildings, in the process creating jobs and saving money. We want to build on this success and we are hugely encouraged by the creativity and enthusiasm we have seen so far.”
Through the Better Energy Communities and Areas schemes in 2013, the Government provided €15 million to 84 community energy projects countrywide, involving the upgrade of 3,540 homes, 2,800 of which were vulnerable homes, along with another 291 community, public and private facilities.
One of the successful 2013 projects was initiated by Drombane Village Group in Co.Tipperary and saw 37 local residences upgraded along with two parish halls. Another project coordinated by Musgraves involved them working with the GAA to complete energy upgrades in 22 community GAA clubs nationwide.
Further details on Better Energy Communities and Areas can be found atwww.seai.ie/grants
