Home energy scheme could create jobs - Ryan

Thousands of jobs could be created as a result of a new scheme to make Irish homes more energy efficient, Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan said today.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which provides grants for insulating homes, could also save householders hundreds of euro a year, Mr Ryan said.

The €50 million scheme, which is open to houses built before 2006, is now accepting applications from those who wish to insulate their properties, and Mr Ryan promised that applications would be processed in under three days.

Mr Ryan said there had been an "unprecedented level of interest" from the public in the scheme, with Sustainable Energy Ireland logging 94,000 calls and website visits. He said more qualified contractors were needed, and called for those involved in the sector to register with SEI.

"The level of public interest is such that contractors can be assured of work for themselves and for new employees through this Government scheme," he said.

"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.”

Earlier this year it was feared that a delay in introducing the scheme could put companies providing insulation for businesses and homes out of business. Some firms said their work had dried up since the scheme was announced, as more people delayed investing in insulation until the grant aid came into effect.

Labour spokeswoman on energy Liz McManus urged Mr Ryan to ensure funding for the scheme was secured in the upcoming budget.

"The huge public interest in this scheme which has amounted to over 94,000 calls is indicative of the public's desire to reduce their energy use which will result in lower utility costs as well as helping the environment. The benefits of this scheme are not only the savings in energy costs and the resulting emission reductions, but it is vital to ensure that construction workers are kept in work," she said.

"In advance of the upcoming budget the Minister must ensure that the funding for this scheme continues into the future. Fifty million euro has been provided for this scheme this year, but no commitment has been given for funding into the future.

The Department of Energy has suggested that the Minister is confident that demand for this scheme will continue well into the coming years. The funding must be secured so that the plug is not pulled on this scheme in the next couple of years."

The introduction of the scheme came as a renewable energy summit was held at Croke Park today. Delegates were told today that the typical Dublin home is well below the desired energy efficiency rating.

Director of sustainable energy agency Codema Dr Gerry Wardell said an estimated 160,000 homes in the capital have a Building Energy Rating (BER) of E1. Energy ratings are graded on a sliding scale; A1 is awarded to the the most energy efficient homes, while G is the worst rating possible.

The poor ratings are being blamed on the fact that many of Dublin's houses were built before 1980, with many lacking wall or roof insualtion.

Speaking at the National Renewable Energy Summit at Croke Park Dr Wardell welcomed the introduction of the home energy saving scheme.

"By carrying out even the most basic of home energy improvements, homeowners can improve their BER and potentially save money," he said.