I am very pleased to be with you all today to view the new premises for Home Value Builder’s Providers. Thanks to John Crofton for his kind invitation and congratulations on the excellent range of goods you offer here. Your operation bodes well for the construction industry both in terms of the quality of your products and the growing importance of the renewable energy markets.
Last year saw another year of record-breaking output in the housing sector. Commercial non-residential construction investment grew by an estimated 19% as favourable economic conditions continued to boost employment. The recent launch of the National Development Plan demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring it continues to invest in our country’s economic future.
The inclusion of sustainable energy technologies in Home Value’s range of products is also a very encouraging development. Irish people have strongly embraced the need for renewable energy and are keen to play their part in creating a cleaner environment. In Government, we are supporting this enthusiasm through a range of initiatives.
In the past two years, we have introduced an €89 million funding programme to support renewable energy development in businesses, communities and households across the country. A range of grant programmes put in place during 2006 will be expanded again this year. It includes the €47 million Greener Homes Scheme, which is providing grants of up to €6,500 to householders towards the cost of installing renewable heat technologies. The scheme has been hugely successful with almost 13,000 applications since it was launched. To date, there have been 433 applications to the Greener Homes Scheme from Kildare alone, which clearly shows that people here have already shown great interest in sustainable energy technologies.
The programme also includes a €26 million scheme for wood chip and wood pellet heating in the commercial sector. This scheme is being expanded in 2007 to include technologies such as solar panels. It will also mean that community and voluntary groups and schools can apply.
Clearly there is a strong public appetite for cheaper, cleaner energy especially now with the very troubling news on climate change. By providing these products, Home Value are also playing their part in developing the emerging market for renewable energy and are giving consumers a range of new choices in the heating technologies best suited to their needs.
Here so close to the M7, you are in a prime location and well placed to do extensive business in this area of the country including Dublin. The Dublin and Mid-east region represents 38% of total construction activity in the Irish market. Surrounding counties such as Offaly, Laois and Carlow are also showing high levels of activity.
An important but often overlooked market component for builders providers such as yourselves is the Repair and Maintenance sector which accounts for 19% of construction output. The delivery of over 640,000 housing units in Ireland since 1996 means that there will be a sustained demand for follow-up work. This is good news for jobs here at Home Value.
Given your proximity to the home of Irish horse racing, Home Value is also well placed for business with the various studs. Many of you here today are associated with the horse racing industry. And I am sure that you, like me, are delighted that work has now commenced on the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse. Three years ago, his Highness, the Aga Khan made an incredible gesture by buying the Stand House Hotel. By donating it to the Turf Club, on behalf of Irish racing, he kick-started the whole redevelopment process. The completion of the road, construction of a new grandstand and facilities and the relocation of the hotel to overlook the racecourse will further enhance Ireland's reputation as a world leader in horse racing. The Government, through Horse Racing Ireland, is delighted to have provided grant aid of over €35 million towards the work.
When John first asked me to view this wonderful showroom, I have to say that the first thing that came to mind was his own prowess on the Kildare football team. I am very pleased that after his retirement, John took over the reigns of the Kildare team for the last season. His first year in charge was very much aimed at rebuilding the county, which had been to the forefront in Leinster in the late 90's and the early stages of the new millennium.
While the 2006 championship did not result in any silverware for John and his charges, there were signs that in the longer term, success could be on the cards! Regardless of my Dublin affinities, I am pleased that this year's league began in the best possible fashion for you John with a victory over Armagh. With players of the calibre of John Doyle and Killian Brennan in fine form and a number of exciting new faces on the squad, it could be a very interesting year ahead.
No more than John and the Lilywhites are laying the foundations for success at this time of year, I am today delighted to announce a major infrastructure investment in Kildare Town. This €20 million investment to upgrade and expand the sewage infrastructure in Kildare will ensure that the foundations are laid for future success for the county over the coming years.
When complete, the €20 million investment will allow for a planned and structured development of residential and commercial growth in Kildare. It will also play a central role in our ongoing efforts to provide a greener, fairer, stronger Kildare and Ireland. This €20 million forms a central part of our €220 million investment in Kildare's public water and sewage schemes between 2005 and 2007.
Getting back to today’s events, I am very impressed with the range and scale of your Home Value operation. John, if you adopt the same approach to this new enterprise as you did on the playing fields, Home Value is set for a very bright future indeed.
Thank you.
ENDS