Jen Cummins
Ceist:244. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if private schools can avail of SEAI grants for energy upgrades. [35165/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceisteanna (244)
Freagraí scríofa
The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS) has been designed for greater accessibility to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland. This scheme is open to private schools in the same way as it is open to all businesses, public sectors bodies, societies and charities. The BEUS opened for applications in late 2024 and is targeted at providing a tailored pathway for SMEs to support retrofit activity, following their participation in existing education and audit supports. This capital support is focused on high impact optimisation and control opportunities in existing buildings to reduce demand, with targeted support for retrofit measures and heat pump adoption. The support is twofold: support for technical assistance (optimisation of existing HVAC systems, building renovation passports, and RES-H design activities); and capital support (commoditised grants for a menu of measures). There is a single online application and payment process, and instant approval for grant funding.
My Department, through schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), also provides other supports to enterprises which can assist these sectors in increasing their energy efficiency and lowering their carbon emissions. There has been a high uptake, in particular, of the support scheme for energy audits by SMEs.
The Support Scheme for Energy Audits provides support up to a maximum of €2,000 per business site (maximum of 3 sites) to cover the costs of a typical energy audit. The scheme provides support for SMEs to carry out energy audits, encouraging them to implement the energy saving measures identified. It is open to all public and private sector organisations that have an annual energy expenditure of €10,000 or more, and are not already required to carry out an energy audit under the Energy Efficiency Directive.
The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. This technology reduces commercial electricity costs and increases security of supply, while enhancing a positive sustainability image. Grant funding is available for systems up to a maximum 1000kWp.
The SEAI support schemes are kept under regular review to ensure their effectiveness.
There are a broader range of enterprise supports available that assist businesses with energy and climate initiatives, with funding coming from a variety of sources (not just the SEAI). Further information on the broader supports can be found on the “Climate Toolkit for Business” website: www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie/next-steps-and-further-information/.