Applications are now open for €3 million Lighting Upgrade Grant Scheme, a Fine Gael senator has said.
The funding was increased this year following a successful pilot scheme in 2017 by Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment Denis Naughten.
The total funding allocation secured in 2018 by Minister Naughten is €3 million. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is administering the Scheme and applications are open until May 31st 2018.
The grant is open to small businesses across all sectors including retail, hospitality, tourism, private education, health facilities and manufacturing.
Applications can be submitted by individual businesses or by co-ordinators who group applications and are in a position to apply and deliver lighting upgrades for a number of businesses.
Senator Maria Byrne said: “The Programme for Partnership Government committed to providing additional resources to help support start-ups and small businesses across the country.
“There are currently over 200,000 SMEs operating in Ireland and this scheme aims to support energy efficient lighting upgrades across all SME sectors.
“Collectively small businesses account for a significant portion of national, and indeed, global energy demand. The smart lighting grant will significantly help businesses reduce their energy-use, producing real results for our economy, while also helping to protect the environment,” the Limerick Senator said.
“We in Fine Gael believe that our small businesses need to be given the supports to help them thrive in our resurgent economy. I would like to thank Minister Naughten for making this funding available.” Senator Byrne concluded.
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