People in Cork should take advantage of new green grants, says Malachy Harty

The Green Party’s representative in Midleton, has welcomed the announcement by ministers Eamon Ryan and John Gormley of €100 million worth of new grants that will help homeowners and people living in local authority housing to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through better insulation and energy systems. Malachy Harty said: “The new national insulation programme is worth €100 million to the economy, and has the potential to create hundreds of lasting, local jobs. Householders who take advantage of the scheme can expect to reduce their heating bills by up to €700 per year.
“The scheme will be open to the public in March, and I urge homeowners – particularly those with older homes and large energy bills – to register their interest now with Sustainable Energy Ireland.
They should also think about arranging a Building Energy Rating assessment, which will highlight
the type of work that will bring about the best cost and energy savings.”
“In the current economic crisis, this step makes total sense. Energy efficiency has a huge potential for our economy, and better insulation will lead to warmer and more comfortable homes.
Homeowners can expect to lower their gas and electricity bills and help to create many more jobs in our communities.”
“The refurbishment of our local authority housing will also tackle the scourge of fuel poverty,
particularly during cold weather. Heating will not be wasted going out the roof or up the chimney.
Reducing energy use and CO2 emissions will also help us meet our climate change targets.”
“This is a programme that benefits our economy, environment and householders at the same time.”

Grant levels are as follows:
Measure Fixed grant rate
Roof Insulation €250
Cavity Wall Insulation €400
Internal Wall Insulation €2,500
External Wall Insulation €4,000
High Efficiency Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade €700
Heating Controls Upgrade Only €500
Building Energy Rating Assessment €200

For More Information:
Malachy Harty
Jamesbrook
Midleton
Co. Cork
087 1213764
malachyharty@gmail.com
Specific enquiries about how the home energy saving scheme [HES] will operate can be directed to
Sustainable Energy Ireland’s dedicated help line at 1850 927000, or email hes@sei.ie
The website for HES is www.sei.ie/hes.
The new centralised freephone number for the Warmer Homes Scheme is 1800 250 204.