Minister Noonan was delighted to announce today that over €1m will be allocated to Carlow and Kilkenny Councils under the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for Social Housing. A total of €601,706 was allocated for Kilkenny with a target of 22 social homes to be retrofitted in the area, while Carlow was allocated €452,791, with a target of 22 social homes.
Announcing the allocations, he said:
“Since the original scheme began in 2013, over 73,500 local authority homes have undergone energy efficiency works, but this was, for the most part, wall and attic insulation works.
“This revised programme focuses on a much deeper retrofitting, ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided. This will greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector and help Ireland reach its greenhouse gas emissions.
"Importantly, it will result in warmer, more comfortable homes which will benefit the health of all those living in them.”
The investment was a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The Programme for Government has set a target of retrofitting reaching over 500,000 homes by 2030, of which it is expected that approximately 36,500 of those with be local authority owned homes.
Approximately 40% of Ireland’s energy-related carbon emissions come from buildings alone, making retrofitting key to achieving Ireland’s objective of reducing its carbon emissions by more than half. Retrofitting ensures these homes will be easier and cheaper to heat, allowing for more comfort and better air quality.