COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 09, 2019

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor Yvonne Collins

To ask the Chief Executive what grants and/or initiatives are available to both Council tenants and private homeowners to upgrade their energy rating given the importance of this for the environment

REPLY:

The Council's Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme is currently being implemented on a phased basis for our pre-1985 housing stock. Following the latest tender process in this programme, the Council has appointed a contractor for energy upgrade works in homes in Neilstown, Dunawley, Glenshane and Quarry Drive with additional areas to be assigned for works in 2020 under further tenders currently being prepared.  The upgrade works include complete attic insulation/ventilation, pumping of cavity walls, bathroom/kitchen ventilation and draught-proofing measures.  These upgrades greatly benefit tenants through lower heating costs and will also result in lower carbon footprints for the areas concerned.

The delivery of the Council's Energy Retrofitting Programme for our social housing stock is classified into two geographical areas: North of the Naas Road (Clondalkin/Lucan/Newcastle Area) and South of the Naas Road (Tallaght/Rathfarnham/Rathcoole Area).  Since the programme commenced in 2013, 1,873 social homes (773 North of the Naas Road and 1100 South of the Naas Road) have undergone these upgrade works.  Houses upgraded in the programme are surveyed prior to work being undertaken and a BER certificate is provided following their completion.  Generally the works involved result in a minimum BER rating of C for the properties which, due to the age and profile, range from D to F/G beforehand. 

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland ( SEAI) offer a range of grants for private homeowners and landlords whose homes were built and occupied before 2006.   Grants available include: insulation, heat pumps, heating controls, solar water heating and solar electric grants.  All applications are available on their website www.seai.ie.