Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, has expressed satisfaction with the significant increase in applications approved for the Energy Efficiency Grant. Since the revision of the grant's terms in July, the number of approved applications has nearly doubled.

The Energy Efficiency Grant, administered by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), aims to support businesses in becoming more sustainable by investing in energy-efficient equipment and systems. Prior to the July revisions, 51 applications worth €245,346.26 had been approved.

However, after the maximum grant amount was increased to €10,000 and the business contribution rate was reduced to 25%, the number of approved applications surged to 97, totalling €634,480.00.

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This positive trend indicates a growing interest among Irish businesses in adopting energy-efficient practices and reducing their environmental impact.

Minister Burke said that it was really encouraging to see the increase in applications: "Sustainability is good for business. By cutting energy costs, businesses will save money. That is why I was keen to make it as attractive as possible, for as many businesses as possible, to draw down on the Energy Efficiency Grant.

"It's great to see the positive impact the revised terms I announced during the summer have made on the number of applications coming through. I'd encourage any business which hasn't explored using the grant, to contact their Local Enterprise Office about it."

Last week Minister Burke also announced that the €170 million Power Up grant was now open for registrations to assist hospitality and retail businesses.

Minister Burke said that Power Up was introduced to further assist these sectors with the cost of doing business.

"Local Authorities will be emailing those businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors who received a second payment under the Increased Cost of Business Scheme to inform them of their potential eligibility for a €4,000 grant under Power Up and instructions on how to register. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Local Authorities for administering this new grant."