A total of €17 million has been allocated for the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme in Ireland.

The announcement was made in Budget 2018.

The scheme is aimed at encouraging industrial and commercial heat users to switch to greener technologies.

Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin welcomed the announcement.

She said: "The public consultation on the design and implementation of the renewable heat incentive scheme closed at the end of March, and I recently called for the scheme to receive funding in the Seanad.

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"This is a very important scheme, and will make a big difference in utilities for farmers, big business and small and medium enterprises.

"This will also help reduce the massive dependence business has on fossil fuels for heating requirements which is proving challenging for us to meet our renewable heat targets in particular.

"It is needed, particularly for businesses whose margins in light of Brexit are ever decreasing."

(CD/LM)