Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), Denis Naughten T.D. today announced a shift in the Government funded energy efficiency schemes, representing a major step in the transition towards decarbonising our heating and the Energy White Paper’s vision of a low carbon energy future. The Minister announced that the funding available for external wall insulation will be significantly increased, with grant levels ranging from €2,750 to €6,000 in a bid to encourage even more homeowners to invest in the energy efficiency of their homes. He reiterated that the most cost effective way for most householders to reduce ongoing energy bills is by investing in upgrades such as roof and wall insulation, draught proofing, and heating controls. The existing grant for heating controls will be increased to €700, regardless of the home’s heating system. Heating controls are a great way to control a household’s energy usage and improve comfort. The Minister said that “It is time to start the transition away from using fossil fuels to heat our homes. Heating controls are a great way to control a household’s energy usage, particularly when combined with deeper measures like external wall insulation. By increasing the funding available I hope that even more people will be encouraged to invest in the energy efficiency of their homes.” The Minister also announced that for people who wish to move away from using fossil fuels to heat their home that a new grant for heat pumps will be added to the existing range of supports from April 2018. Heat pumps are electrical appliances that can transfer heat from the outside into a building to heat it. With an appropriately installed heat pump installed, a properly insulated home will generally not need a backup boiler. Heat pumps keep buildings heated a constant temperature which not only adds to the feeling of comfort in a home but also improves indoor air quality and makes for a healthier living environment. All of these grant schemes are funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment (DCCAE) and operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI’s CEO Jim Gannon said: “SEAI are very supportive of the decision made today regarding the range of technologies supported in the retrofit programmes. Re-focusing available funds on more impactful measures, and moving the supports away from more carbon intensive technologies, is a significant step and a further signal to homeowners and the supply chain as to Ireland’s direction of travel. We welcome the increased investment in these measures by DCCAE, and the exchequer, and will continue to seek more impactful and efficient ways of delivering on our mandate.” New Grant levels effective 15 January 2018 

	Current	New
Heating Controls	€600	€700
External Wall Insulation - Detached	€4,500	€6,000
External Wall Insulation - Semi-detached or end of terrace	€3,400	€4,500
External Wall Insulation - Mid terrace or apartment	€2,250	€2,750

The grant of €100, previously given for a replacement oil or gas boiler, will no longer be offered. At the same time reflecting their importance the grant for heating controls system is being increased by €100 to €700. Applicants can still install the heating system of their choice. For more information on our grant schemes please visit: www.seai.ie/grants/home-grants/betterenergy-homes or contact SEAI Better Energy Homes on 1850927000.