Latest news with #BuildingEnergyRating
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Home Q&A: How do I qualify for the solar electricity PV grant?
Question How do I know if I qualify for the solar electricity grant? Answer Helping with 30% of the cost of a solar-PV array and its installation, the SEAI grant not only gives you a financial boost but ensures your supplier is registered through the SEAI mechanism. To qualify for a solar-PV (domestic) grant handled by the SEAI, you need to meet certain criteria. You must be the owner of a home built and occupied before 2021. You need to use designated materials and products that were not already covered by another grant scheme (for instance, the Vacant Homes Refurbishment grants). You will be required to use a registered, tax-compliant company from the SEAI's registered Approved Installer list of companies. The electrical works must be completed by a Safe Electric Ireland electrician (upgrades are occasionally necessary). You will need to apply to ESB Networks to be connected to the electricity distribution system using the ESB Networks NC6 form. Your registered installer should do this for you during the course of the paperwork. You must provide a Declaration of Works signed by a registered installer on the SEAI solar-PV-Approved installer list. Also, you will be required to have a Building Energy Rating (BER) carried out after the work is completed; €50 grant aid is available through the SEAI. You must meet the requirements in the solar-PV code of practice and pass any audit set by the SEAI. Don't start work before you have a letter of offer from the SEAI. For everything else you need to know, go to Got a question for our Home team? Email Home@
Irish Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Full list of 28 Irish schools selected for major energy retrofits this summer
28 schools across Ireland are to undergo extensive energy and decarbonisation retroworks, Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee announced today. The works are to be completed as part of an €86 million investment from the department's REPowerEU Pathfinder Programme, which aims to improve the efficiency of Ireland's schools, while also helping the country to achieve its stated climate targets. "This is a hugely positive development for each of the schools, making them more comfortable for their students and staff," said Minister McEntee. "It is also a clear sign of our commitment to delivering modern, climate-conscious school environments and making real progress on national climate goals." Each school selected for the works will be retrofitted to score a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least B - achieved by installing energy-efficient LED lighting, heat pumps and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. Additionally, each school's airtightness will be improved upon, and electric car charging points will be installed at each location. 24 of the 28 schools are also receiving additional electrical upgrades from ESB Networks, in order to better handle the new decarbonised heat pump systems. 'We are deeply grateful to all 40 schools that participated in the planning and design stages of the programme for their proactive engagement, cooperation, and support throughout this process," said McEntee. "Their participation has been essential to the success of the programme to date and we fully acknowledge the commitment and effort shown by each school community." Full list of schools selected:
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Co Wicklow seafront bar plans to increase building height to four storeys
O'Driscoll's Seaside Bar, at 8 Marine Terrace, Strand Road, is seeking to remove the existing pitched roof and flat roof of the first-floor apartment and build two additional storeys to provide two two-bed apartments, with a new pitched roof and balconies to the front. The plans also include a new entrance lobby with stairwell and lift to the proposed apartments, as well as a new entrance door to the pub itself. The application states that the plans represent 'a comprehensive upgrade' of the first-floor apartment, which was built in 1979, to deliver two additional high-quality residential units. The apartments will be constructed to modern standards, achieving a Building Energy Rating (BER) of A1, with contemporary internal finishes and generous amenity standards. Each unit will be independently accessed via a new entrance lobby and lift, formed within the footprint of the ground-floor pub, which will remain in operation. The site, in the Bray seafront area, is zoned 'Objective SF', to provide for 'the development and improvement of appropriate seafront uses' under the Local Area Plan, with the purpose being to protect and enhance the character of the seafront area and to provide for mixed-use development including appropriate tourism, retail, leisure, civic and residential uses. The applicant states that the proposed development would accommodate the continued operation of the existing bar, as well as the provision of three new homes, the result being a mixed-use building in keeping with the zoning objective for the site. The design for the development, with a total height of four storeys, is also compliant with the requirements for new developments on the seafront to be no more than four storeys. The application, in summary, states that the proposed development 'represents a sustainable, design-led solution for increasing residential provision in Bray. It supports the continued vibrancy of the seafront area and aligns with local and national planning policy.' The closing date for submissions is Monday, May, 19, 2025.
