€20m in grants highlights need to reduce emissions

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen’s allocation of €20 million towards grants for greener homes has focused attention on the need to reduce the amount of carbon emissions from private households.

Solar panels, underground heat pumps, wood-burning heaters and biomass stoves are just some of the innovations which qualify for grants when it comes to building a new house.

The €20m made available by Mr Cowen will be spread over the next three years to ensure that as many homes as possible can avail of the grants.