A target date for higher energy efficiency standards in the construction of homes has been brought forward by Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan.
Grants are available for constructing homes 40 per cent more efficient than the minimum requirement, and a target date of 2010 had been set for increasing the efficiency to 60 per cent.
But to mark the 50th anniversary of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), Mr Ryan today announced the 2010 date had been moved to January 1st next year.
Although grants under the House of Tomorrow Programme will stay, the new efficiency standard would be mandatory.
Mr Ryan said his announcement was "a clear signal to builders that the new Government is intent on ensuring that the highest levels of energy efficiency are maintained in all new building works".
Around 5,000 homes have been built with grant aid under the programme while the SEI's Low Income Housing Programme has fitted energy-efficient features such as insulation in around 12,000 homes.
The Department says that over 16,000 householders have applied for grants to install renewable energy features since the programme began in 2006, and plans for further incentives to use renewable energy such as solar panels and wood chip burners are planned.
"The level of pent-up demand among consumers for renewable solutions and energy efficiency has been vividly illustrated by this success of these schemes and initiatives," Mr Ryan said.