Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin TD, has marked the completion of a significant energy retrofit project in Wexford including upgrades to 64 local authority homes around the county and two community centres in Clonard and Murrintown.

The project received €80,000 funding through the Better Energy programme from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Total investment in housing and community energy projects in Wexford in 2013 amounted to €1.3m with €0.73m coming from the Better Energy programme.

Speaking at an event to mark the project in Clonard Community Centre, Wexford, Minister Howlin said: "Visiting the community facilities today highlights the extent to which energy efficiency has been embraced by communities and individuals across Wexford. The benefits are very clear in terms of lower fuel bills, more comfortable buildings, a reduction in our carbon emissions and the generation of local jobs for local communities. I want to applaud the local community and SEAI for their commitment to delivering these important works."

-- Advertisement --

Also in attendance, Dr. Brian Motherway, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland noted the contribution of the Better Energy Community scheme in transforming energy retrofitting around the country. "Communities all over Ireland are acting to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings, in the process creating jobs and saving money. This is all about making communities better and we are hugely encouraged by the creativity and enthusiasm of communities. We are delighted to be able support them to do so and to be continuing this programme into 2014 and look forward to funding similar projects next year."

(CD)