Millions spent in Laois on thousands of energy upgrades to properties

Thousands of Laois properties have benefited from energy upgrade grants in the past six years, according to Sean Fleming TD.

Figures provided by the Laois Fianna Fáil TD show that 3,139 homes and other buildings have received energy upgrade grants in Laois since 2020.

They also show that the total amount paid to property owners in Laois is €15,957,518. He averaged this at €5,083 per property.

The Castletown-based politician said most of these are private dwellings but some community facilities are also included in this figure.

He commented on what it means to avail of the eco-friendly energy supports.

“This is a good uptake in Laois, under these schemes and I encourage people right across Laois to apply to Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) for grants to upgrade their property.

“Under this scheme, people can install solar panels, heat pumps, improve insulation and their heating systems in their houses and this will reduce their heating and electricity bills on an ongoing basis," he said.

He claimed that there were now shortcomings.

“In short, these are very good schemes and there is no downside. The grants will help people fund the cost of these works to improve their houses. I encourage as many people as possible in the county to apply for these upgrades to their homes, to make them warmer and more comfortable to live in,” he said.

Whether you want to improve one area or get completely upgrade your home, SEAI says it has three energy upgrade options. These are:

• National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme
• Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Grants
• Warmer Homes Scheme

 It says you may be eligible to receive some upgrades to your home free of charge.