Cllr Davy Daniels (IND) has been informed that the pilot home energy scheme of 2008 is due to be launched in Waterford City this year.

The scheme is operated on the basis that householders will avail of a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor to come to their house, give the home a BER rating and advise on the works that need to be carried out to improve energy efficiency.

The homeowner will preopay €100 towards the cost of the assessment, with Sustainable Energy Ireland subsidising the balance. Approximately two thirds of the cost of the assessment, will therefore, be covered by the government,

The assessor may advise that the house requires such work as attic insulation, interior or exterior wall insulation, low emissions doubleoglazing heating control or a range of other energy efficient works.

The government will then cover up to 30% of the cost to a maximum of €2,500.

Cllr Daniels, at the monthly meeting of Waterford City Council, welcomed the realignment of the Williamstown Road and asked if the proposed realignment of the improvements to Ballygunner Cross asked if the wall in front of Kilcaragh village was part of the scheme.

Director of Services, Fergus Galvin said that it is hoped that the works would commence soon. Mr. Galvin said that further information will be provided at the next Local Area meeting.