7 April 2003
Up to 18,000 low income households are set to benefit from a new funding programme, aimed at tackling the problem of fuel poverty in Ireland. That is according to David Taylor, Chief Executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who was announcing details of the new €7.62 million initiative which is part of SEI’s Low Income Housing Programme.
The programme is being implemented by Sustainable Energy Ireland and is funded through the National Development Plan 2000–2006.
According to Sustainable Energy Ireland, up to 62,000 householders in Ireland are currently estimated to be living in chronic fuel poverty. In addition, many more householders are on the margins of fuel poverty.
Fuel poverty arises when a householder is unable to adequately heat or light their home owing to a number of factors, including low income and energy inefficient housing. Quantitatively, a fuel poor household is often defined as one needing to spend in excess of 10% of the household income on fuel to achieve a satisfactory level of heating. The consequences of fuel poverty for households affected, in addition to poor comfort, can include poor health, increased debt and a decline in the physical state of their home.
Under the Low Income Housing Programme, Sustainable Energy Ireland will fund community-based organisations nationwide to install energy efficiency measures into homes occupied by low income households. The measures will help improve the comfort of the homes and reduce energy bills for householders. The type of work to be undertaken through the programme will include the installation of attic and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, hot water cylinder jackets and energy saving light bulbs or CFLs. Householders will also receive detailed energy advice that will enable them to maximise the benefit of any measures installed.
Commenting on the programme, David Taylor, Chief Executive, Sustainable Energy Ireland, said: “The need for action to alleviate fuel poverty in Ireland is now well established. The Low Income Housing Programme is a practical first step in tackling the problem. Another key aspect of the programme will be facilitating the development of a national network for the delivery of longer-term solutions. While many organisations are currently engaged in addressing fuel poverty in Ireland there is a real need to bring together stakeholders at local, regional and national level to ensure a coherent and effective approach to the problem.”
There are currently a number of community-based organisations in Ireland installing a range of energy efficiency measures into low income homes. Dublin based charity Energy Action, an important player in the area of fuel poverty, has mentored the development of many of these organisations. Typically the organisations receive funding from FÁS through the Government’s Social Economy Programme and provide employment for the long-term unemployed. Sustainable Energy Ireland is looking to build the capacity of this service and facilitate national coverage in the long term.
Mr. Taylor added: “The Low Income Housing Programme is a positive step in helping to make a real difference to those living in fuel poverty, as well as being an important part of Sustainable Energy Ireland’s strategy to improve the energy efficiency of the Irish housing stock and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Eaga Partnership, an independent management agency, has been appointed to manage elements of the programme including quality assurance and the development of supporting information systems. Eaga will also work in partnership with Energy Action to assist with the development of installer agencies funded through the programme. Eaga has experience of managing similar programmes in Britain and Northern Ireland.
Sustainable Energy Ireland, formerly the Irish Energy Centre, was established on 1 May 2002 as a statutory authority charged with promoting and assisting the development of sustainable energy and is funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000–2006 with programmes part financed by the European Union.
For further information please contact:
Diarmuid O’Neill / Cormac Bradley
Edelman
Tel: 01 678 9333 / 087 617 1241