McCausland Announces £12m Funding For New Boilers

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a £12million boiler replacement scheme to improve energy efficiency in 16,000 homes across Northern Ireland.

The scheme, which will launch inSeptember this year, will be opento owner occupiers who earn lessthan £40,000 and with ainefficient boiler of at least 15years old.

The grant of up to £1,000dependent on total gross income,is available to assist in replacingan inefficient boiler for a moreenergy efficient condensing oil orgas boiler; switching from oil togas; or switching to a wood pelletboiler.

• The amount of grant payable

will depend on total gross income• Householders are free to use an installer of their choice as long as they are “gas safe” registered for gas installations.

• Retrospective approval will not be given for this scheme

Minister McCausland said: “Thisfunding, provided by the NorthernIreland Executive, will help us tomake a real difference in 16,000homes across Northern Ireland,and some of the most vulnerablein our communities. This is a realexample of the devolutiondelivering for the people ofNorthern Ireland.”

The Minister continued: “In lastyear’s pilot scheme targetingolder people, almost 1,700 boilerswere replaced in homes fromBelleek to Ballyclare, somedelivering a 30% increase inefficiency. I am delighted that I amnow able to provide a fullyextended scheme which willreach to every corner of NorthernIreland.

“In addition, some 640 localinstallers and suppliers carriedout the work involved in the pilotprogramme. These installerswere chosen by householdersthemselves, a key element of thescheme which will be replicatedthis time around and I hope thiswill continue to give a boost tolocal businesses.

“This scheme, alongside a newRenewable Heat PremiumPayment scheme announced bymy colleague Arlene Foster,further underlines the Executive’scommitment to supporting peoplein reducing their energy costs andmaximising the energy efficiencyof their homes.”

Applications to the scheme, whichwill be run by the Northern IrelandHousing Executive, will be invitedfrom September 2012.Information on the applicationprocess will be published as partof the scheme launch.

The Minister concluded: “In thecoming weeks, I hope to beannouncing some additionalfunding for the scheme, which willbe part-financed by the EuropeanRegional Development Fundunder the European SustainableCompetitiveness Programme forNorthern Ireland. This could seean additional 16,000 peoplebenefit from the grant available.”

Those who think they may beeligible can call now on 0300 2007874 to find out more – andcheck if they can apply on 0300200 7874 or www.nidirect.gov.uk