Minister Denis Naughten has provided more than €2 million for energy efficiency upgrades in the coming months to homes, businesses and community buildings locally that will improve quality of life.

Local families will have their fuel-poor homes upgraded through improved insulation, heating, lighting, window and floor upgrades which will reduce energy bills and make these homes more comfortable and healthier.

The total allocation of €26 million under the Better Energy Communities (BEC) Scheme nationwide will provide for energy efficiency upgrades to more than 2,013 homes, of which 1,510 are energy poor, and a further 479 community, public and commercial facilities.

The community and public buildings in Roscommon to be upgraded are:

St John’s Parish Hall; Monksland Civic Centre; Roscommon Fire Station; Castlerea Cattle Mart; Lisacul Community Centre; An Chistin The Hub; Castlerea Fire Station; Ballaghdreen Fire Station; Boyle Fire Stations;

The businesses that will have their premises upgraded are:

Keane’s Shop in Lanesboro and Athleague;  Supervalu Castlerea.

5 Sports and Leisure centres located in Ballinasloe and Tuam Co. Galway will be upgraded to include Combined Heat and Power installation, heating controls, pool cover fittings, Building Management System, pump upgrade, roof and wall insulation and lighting upgrades.

“Grant aid to support these projects are provided through my Department and other community groups that want to become involved in the energy upgrade scheme should contact the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) directly.  Not only does this investment reduce electricity and oil bills but makes local businesses more viable, helps community groups keep their doors open and ensures the homes of families in fuel poverty are more comfortable and healthier to live in. There is also significant supports available for individuals.”

Minister Naughten added: “Over 350,000 people across Ireland have improved the energy efficiency in their homes through Government grants. I have made €5 million available under a new scheme for householders to financially assist them in deep retrofitting their homes to an ‘A’ BER rating.  Works supported by these programmes create jobs and support the local economy. Community based organisations are now training people to become experts in installing energy efficiency technologies and carry out energy efficient improvements to houses. Some of these are re-entering the workforce after long periods of unemployment.”

Further details: http://www.seai.ie/