Clare’s construction industry representative says he’s “reasonably optimistic” that the industry will be able to deliver on promises made under the deep retrofit scheme.
Cabinet met this morning to sign off on the new 320 million euro retrofit initiative, with the Environment Minister saying it will help keep people out of fuel poverty.
This plan will see the largest State offering when it comes to home retrofitting grants.
More than 25,000 euro will be offered to people conducting a full retrofit, covering around half the cost, while low interest Government loans will also be available later in the year.
Up to 80 per cent of smaller projects, like attic or cavity wall insulation will be covered and this is estimated to reduce the cost of those projects to in the region of 300 euro.
Around 400 energy upgrades a month will be conducted for low income families free of charge, with plans in place to set up one-stop-shops where people can get homes assessed, apply for grants and have work carried out.
Clare’s Green party Senator believes people will be able to cover the cost of the works on their home with the savings they’ll receive in their energy bills.
Inagh-based Senator Roisin Garvey says they want the scheme to benefit all homeowners as well as those in social housing.
The Sustaininable Energy Authority of Ireland estimates 17,000 workers will be needed for the planned programme of retrofitting 500,000 homes within 8 years.
Clare’s construction industry representative is concerned that they may not be able to achieve a target of 50,000 homes this year, but he’s “reasonably optimistic” that having always delivered in the past the industry can meet demand.
Ronan O’Brien, who’s the CIF’s Executive for the Southern Region, says they will need additional support from Government though.
The challenge now will be to attract enough workers into retrofitting.
Centres of excellence for retrofit training have already been established in a number of areas, with a facility covering both Clare and Limerick expected to open soon.
Dean of Flexible and Work Based Learning, Director of Industry Engagement at TÚS, Seamus Hoyne says the construction industry is rapidly changing, with more and more educational opportunities coming on stream.
Applications for the new grants will open in the coming weeks.
