Minister Michael D’Arcy told WexfordToday.com that there are excellent schemes available to assist people adapt to a more climate sensitive lifestyle and over €3.9 million in funding has been grated to energy efficient projects in Co. Wexford.
In 2018 in Wexford: Over 371 Wexford homes availed of the 20-30% grant for Better Energy efficiency in their home. This is 1.3% of homes who availed of the SEAI supports.
317 Wexford homes availed of the Warmer Homes initiative, which is confined to home owners who qualify for the Fuel Scheme. This covers the entire cost for eligible families.
48 Wexford drivers who purchased an Electric Vehicle and qualified for €5,000 grant, up to €5,000 off VRT and cheaper tolls.
Minister D’Arcy said: “Climate change is the existential challenge of our generation. We must protect our planet. Fine Gael’s guiding principle is that we intend to hand over guardianship and stewardship of our planet to future generations in a much better state than we inherited it.
“Range anxiety is a problem for Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers, but the government has just awarded a €10m grant to the ESB.
“The upgrading of standard chargers to fast chargers at 50 locations and the replacement of 528 standard chargers that are currently in use with new standard chargers will significantly improve the reliability of the charging network.

“The expanded network will support 40,000 EVs, about four times the present number. By 2025, every employer with more than 20 parking spaces will also be required to have an EV charger.
“As a community we need to think more about choices like these. I am seeking to develop momentum for Climate Action in a plan which is now in preparation.
“Many of our homes have very poor building energy ratings. Big savings in energy, in greenhouse gases and in comfort can be achieved by taking up these schemes,” Minister D’Arcy said.
“Even though a Home Charger Grant of €600 is available, it was only taken up by 32 people in Wexford last year, this is disappointing which is why we need to get the word out on these progressive initiatives.
“There are over 250 community energy schemes in operation.

Projects in County Wexford include:
Wexford Enterprise Centre, Kerlogue, Wexford
Wexford Apex Leisure Centre, New Ross, Co Wexford
Enniscorthy Enterprise and Technology Centre
Rochefreight Rosslare Facility
“All of these schemes are administered by SEAI and funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
“I would encourage everyone to consider availing of a scheme most suitable to your needs, more on how to avail of these grants can be found on https://www.seai.ie/,