First Inishowen home to get free retrofit completed

The first Inishowen home to be retrofitted under the free Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland ( SEAI) Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme via the Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) has been completed in Buncrana.

The single-story bungalow, which was built in the 1970s qualified for the scheme last year after staff of IDP in Buncrana supported and submitted the application on the owner’s behalf.

IDP acts as a facilitator for SEAI assisting homeowners with the application process and criteria, before sending the completed forms to SEAI for final approval.

The home outside Buncrana has had a complete retrofit with the dwelling wrapped with external insulation and completely replastered – and all at no cost to the homeowner who is delighted with the outcome.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is open to anyone that owns their own home and it was built and occupied before January 1, 2006. They must also be in receipt of certain social welfare payments including the fuel allowance.

IDP staff can assist with the eligibility and the applications and liaise with social welfare staff

in relation to submissions if necessary.

IDP team lead Paul McGonigle and community development officer Áine McLaughlin lead the SEAI application operation for IDP. Áine said there has been a number of applications in recent times, but she believes there are a lot more eligible homeowners who could and should be applying for the retrofit.

Áine also explained that there is a queuing system with the scheme and that it’s in everyone’s best interest to get in touch with IDP to assess eligibility and subsequently have their applications submitted to SEAI.

“The sooner we get the ball rolling the better. This can be a drawn-out process, however SEAI will assess each property in relation to its needs.

“We at IDP have no input in relation to the timelines but we are delighted to see the rewards of the scheme right here on our doorstep.”

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The SEAI BEWH scheme provides a range of free energy efficiency upgrades for eligible homes, however the attic/cavity wall insulation and external insulation seem to be the most common.

“The aim of the Scheme is to make eligible homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run,” said Áine.

“And in times like these that could be a lifeline for many people in Inishowen who fit the criteria for the scheme.”

More information about the free scheme is available from IDP in Buncrana on 93-62218 or by email at aine@inishowen.ie or pmcgonigle@inishowen.ie.

Strategic plan

Meanwhile, Paul and Aine are also leading IDP’s involvement in the Inishowen Sustainable Energy Community (ISEC). IDP previously won an SEAI award in 2021 in the Inspirational Energy Community category for its lead role in ISEC.

Inishowen SEC, a collaborative group of representatives from IDP, Inishowen Co-Op, Donegal County Council and others is now launching its strategic plan to support renewable energy development, climate action change, a just transition, and funding strategies for the region. This launch will take place in Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel on Thursday, April 27 from 7pm to 9pm.

The launch will provide an overview of the roadmap for the green transformation of Inishowen and how this can be of benefit to everyone in our community. Keynote speaker on the night will be Claire Irwin of RTÉ’s Room to Improve and founder of Irwin Consulting. This is a public free event, however booking details will be made available in the coming days.