Warmer homes plan to help families reduce fuel bills

THOUSANDS of homes will be upgraded with insulation and heating measures to help struggling families experiencing fuel poverty and on low incomes.

Funds to keep heat inside homes will be tripled next year under plans announced yesterday by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan.

The initiative is expected to benefit 12,500 private homes, particularly those built before the 1980s.

The measures are also intended to benefit people on pensions and fuel allowances with badly insulated homes.

Announcing the funding, Mr Ryan explained: “This scheme is about improving the quality of the homes — in order that heat does not escape through the roof or chimney. This new money will make the homes of those on low income more comfortable and enable them to spend much less on fuel and electricity. ”

The Warmer Homes scheme is part of the Low Income Housing Programme, administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland, who already have carried out pilot projects, providing attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught proofing the home and lagging jackets to homes nationwide.

Mr Ryan’s department has secured €15 million to upgrade the homes, with a third of that coming from the ESB and Bord Gáis.

It is estimated that at least 60,000 households in Ireland suffer from fuel poverty, having to spend over 10% of their income on fuel.

Another 60,000 homes are thought to suffer more intermittent fuel poverty.

The Government is spending nearly €350m on fuel and electricity allowances for the elderly and those on social welfare.

Owners of homes already upgraded are saving up to 50% on their energy use, according to initial findings.

The funding announced yesterday is solely for the private and rented sectors. A scheme for local authority housing is expected soon.

* Contact Sustainable Energy Ireland on 01 8082048 or visit www.sei.ie.