Welcome for new retrofitting scheme

The new programme was announced yesterday.

The new retrofitting scheme announced by the Government yesterday has been welcomed.

The programme will include a number of measures to make it easier for homeowners to increase the energy efficiency of their houses. Grants will be available to cover part of the cost of measures like attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, heat pumps or a complete retrofit of a home.

The grants will cover half the cost of a deep retrofit that will improve the energy efficiency to a high B2 rating. Payments of more than €25,000 may be offered to individual householders.

Grants to cover 80% will be available to those who opt for more minor works, such as insulating attics or cavity walls, while those at risk of poverty could see the complete cost covered.

Green Party Representative for Cavan Monaghan, Tate Donnelly, has welcomed the new Home Energy Upgrade Scheme:

“This large package of measures gives assurance that there will be something here for everyone, regardless of income levels. It is going to ensure that the people of Cavan and Monaghan have warmer homes and will spend less on their energy bills in the long-term.”

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has also welcomed the scheme:

“A retrofitting scheme of this size is really exciting. For the first time ever, a person will be able avail of substantial grants and loans to retrofit their home.

“We are doing this in three keyways. First, by expanding the warmer homes scheme, where eligible homeowners who are most at risk of fuel poverty can receive 100% grants. Secondly, we are providing 80% grants for people who want smaller retrofits carried out, like attic and cavity wall insulation. Thirdly, we are introducing a One Stop Shop; a hassle-free, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing for home energy upgrades."