A new non-domestic renovation program was announced in October 2022 as part of Budget 2023, which aims to help small and medium-sized businesses modernize their operations and improve their energy efficiency.

€50 million of funding from the Climate Action Fund has been allocated to the grant and is expected to particularly benefit retail and hospitality businesses.

This new program will allow businesses to benefit from the subsidy for construction-related expenses, including insulation, heat pumps, ventilation and solar thermal.

Called the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme, the SEAI had to carry out a final business case for the grant which would have started at the end of 2023.

Fianna Fáil climate change spokesperson Christopher O’Sullivan accused Minister Ryan of “foot-dragging” on approving the grant and said it was unacceptable that the grant did not not been signed.

Today’s news in 90 seconds – October 31, 2024

“Budget 2023 committed the €50 million Climate Action Fund to a range of measures such as solar thermal power for hot water and heat pumps. It has been designed to support pubs, restaurants and retail businesses.

“But the funding announced in October 2022 – two years ago – as part of Budget 2023 has not yet been approved by Minister Ryan. It’s been on the minister’s desk for some time now, awaiting signature,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

However, a spokesperson for Minister Ryan said the accusation of delay was “absurd”.

The TD said it was his understanding that SEAI had completed its work on the project.

“SEAI has been collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Communications for some time now. The project is ready to go, but the minister is dragging his heels,” said MP O’Sullivan.

Although Mr O’Sullivan said that “at present” the SEAI’s work on the project was “in vain”, it appears the project is progressing and will soon be launched.

An application system has also been developed by SEAI for the program. It is understood that if businesses have already applied for grants through the SEAI, they will be able to open their account and view the new support available and apply quickly.