Energy Efficient Grant for Irish SMEs announced

The Irish Government has announced a new grant to help small businesses to become more sustainable and energy-efficient.

Launched by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, the Energy Efficiency Grant is available through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and will enable these businesses to invest in technologies and equipment to make them more energy-efficient.

The grant will be available to businesses that, through participation in the Green for Micro, GreenStart or SEAI Energy Audit programmes, have identified their technology and equipment need and benefits.

According to Minister Coveney, the grant will make a “significant contribution” to reducing energy output, covering 50% of costs to a maximum amount of €5,000.

In addition to reducing costs, he said it will reduce the impact of small businesses on the environment, and will enable them to become more competitive over time.

“The new Energy Efficiency Grant is the natural next step for all those companies that have identified their needs around energy reduction,” he added. “This grant will make it more feasible for small businesses to engage in this process and hopefully set them on a more sustainable path.”

“The LEOs are continually looking at ways to help their clients increase productivity and competitiveness,” explained John Magee, chair of the network of LEOs.

“This grant is the natural next step for all those companies that have identified their needs around energy reduction and this will enable them to make those changes in their business. We are seeing a huge shift in the mindset of small businesses in recent years around sustainability. It is not just a word now – it sits at the heart of business objectives and we must continue to help businesses in reaching those objectives.”