Better Energy initiative funding for Louth homes

THERE was a broad welcome for government funding announced for better energy projects in County Louth over the last week.

‘I can confirm that Louth projects are to receive new funding under the Better Energy initiative, which is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland,’ said Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd.

‘Louth County Council and DKIT have come together to upgrade up to 225 homes and 15 non-residential sites with €1,029,884 in grants it is hoped the average upgrade will see an increase of D1 to B3 in the energy rating scales, alongside this a Sustainable Energy Garden that will be used to educate children in this area. Matthews bus will also create a Compressed Natural Gas bus along with a gas refuel point.’

‘Nationally the funding will provide for energy efficiency upgrades to more than 2,600 homes and almost 300 community and commercial facilities,’ said Deputy O’Dowd.

‘Aside from increasing the energy efficiency of our housing stock, this allows for extra employment in the region. The total national investment in energy efficiency is supporting more than 700 direct and indirect jobs right across the country.’

‘My priority is to ensure that the government uses the fruits of our recovering economy to provide better services for everyone. This is a good example of how grants can be used to improve our energy efficiency, save people money on their energy bills and create local jobs.’