A government grant scheme aimed at SMEs that subsidises the cost of installation of energy-efficient lighting is now accepting applications.

The €2m funding initiative is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and covers 30% of the cost of upgrade work for energy-efficient lighting.

The grant is open to all small and medium-sized businesses, including retailers, the hospitality and tourism sector, private health and education facilities and manufacturers.

Applications for the energy-efficient lighting grant will be taken until May 20. SEAI says that aarly application is advised, as in the event of all funds being allocated prior to the closing date, the scheme will automatically close.

Applications can be submitted by individual businesses or by contractors. Contractors may group applications where they are delivering lighting upgrades for a number of small businesses.

In Association with

Announcing the grant, communications minister Richard Bruton said that decarbonisation can be a challenge for business. “Collectively, SMEs spend over €2bn annually on energy. Individual companies stand to save up to 60% on their lighting bills by making these upgrades,” he added.

Jim Gannon, CEO of the SEAI, said that after staff costs, lighting is the second highest cost for many businesses. “Improving the energy efficiency of lighting helps businesses to cut costs, frees up resources that can be invested in more productive activities, and makes them more resilient and competitive,” said Gannon.

“Over 200 businesses have benefitted from support through SEAI’s lighting grant, generating cost savings of €2.7m. The payback for those businesses varied between one to two years.”

For further information on the grant and details on how to apply, visit seai.ie/grants.

Photo: Minister Richard Bruton and Andrea Carroll of the SEAI. (Pic: Naoise Culhane)