A total of 760, 228 and 205 homes in the Londonderry, Limavady Borough Council and Strabane District Council areas respectively have had new boilers installed as part of the Department for Social Development's Boiler Replacement Scheme.

The scheme, provided initially by funding from the Northern Ireland Executive with additional part financing secured from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, was launched in September 2012 by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to replace inefficient boilers, with energy efficient condensing oil or gas boilers; switching from oil to gas; or switching to a wood pellet boiler. It is available to those who earn less than £40,000 a year with an inefficient boiler of at least 15 years and is dependent on total gross income.

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Encouraging homeowners who meet the criteria to apply, Minister McCausland said: "This scheme is aimed specifically at helping households on low incomes improve the energy efficiency in their homes therefore reducing costs.

"Since its launch, it has been a major success with over 11,300 homeowners throughout Northern Ireland replacing their inefficient boiler and reducing their fuel outlay costs.

"Replacing an old inefficient boiler with a new condensing boiler can in an average three bedroom semi-detached house, see potential savings of between £300 to £350 per year.

"In these difficult financial times, savings such as this can make a real difference to the lives of those who the scheme is targeted at. I would therefore encourage those homeowners whose household income is less than £40,000 per year and currently have a boiler of at least 15 years to contact the Housing Executive on 03448 920900."

(CD/JP)