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Homeowners in Ireland Can Access Grants Up to €8,000 for Energy Upgrades

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Homeowners in Ireland can now apply for grants of up to €8,000 to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is designed to support various energy upgrades, ensuring that completed projects achieve an energy efficiency rating of B2 or higher. This initiative is open not only to homeowners but also to private landlords and approved housing bodies.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) oversees the administration of these grants, while a network of registered companies, referred to as One Stop Shops, manages the upgrade process. The One Stop Shop Service facilitates the application and execution of energy-efficient projects, making it easier for property owners to navigate the process.

Eligible upgrades under this scheme include a wide range of improvements. Homeowners may receive funding for attic and wall insulation, heating control systems, solar thermal solutions, and new windows, among others. The grant amounts vary based on the specific upgrades undertaken, with values for homeowners and private landlords ranging from €350 to €8,000 and up to €10,000 for approved housing bodies.

To qualify for a grant, applicants must meet several criteria. They need to own a property that was built and occupied before 2011 and have an initial energy rating (BER) of B3 or lower. Furthermore, the property must achieve a minimum BER of B2 after the upgrades, along with an improvement of at least 100 kWh/m² per year. It is also essential that applicants have not previously utilized grants for the same energy upgrades and that they use an SEAI registered company to oversee the work and application.

The types of projects eligible for grants include:

– Attic and wall insulation
– Heating controls
– Solar PV panels
– Heat pump systems
– Mechanical ventilation
– Home energy assessments

For those interested in applying for the grant, the first step is to contact an SEAI registered One Stop Shop. More detailed information can be found on the SEAI’s official website.

This grant initiative not only aims to enhance the energy efficiency of homes across Ireland but also contributes to broader environmental goals by reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions. By improving the energy performance of properties, homeowners can benefit from increased comfort and reduced utility bills, making this scheme an attractive opportunity for many.

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Dublin Traffic Disruptions: Multiple Collisions Cause Major Delays

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Traffic congestion in Dublin escalated on July 15, 2023, as multiple collisions compounded delays on the M50. The situation became critical as a collision occurred on the northbound side between Ballymun and the M1/M50 roundabout, blocking the hard shoulder and further impeding traffic flow.

As motorists navigated the busy roads, additional delays were reported throughout the M50. Northbound traffic was particularly congested from Dundrum all the way to Lucan. Southbound, delays stretched from the M1 onto the M50 towards Ballymun and persisted past Blanchardstown until reaching the M11.

Collision Updates and Traffic Impact

LiveDrive, a traffic reporting service, announced that the collision on the M50 northbound after Junction 4 had been cleared. However, subsequent incidents continued to affect travel times. A vehicle fire under a bridge prompted Irish Rail to suspend services between Tara St. and Connolly. Crews were dispatched to inspect the bridge and assess any potential damage.

In a further complication, another collision occurred on the M50 northbound after Junction 4, blocking lanes one and two. Even though the earlier collision on the M50 southbound at Blanchardstown had been cleared, residual delays lingered in the area.

On the N4, a collision eastbound at Liffey Valley also caused disruptions, although this incident has since been resolved.

As traffic conditions remain challenging, commuters are urged to remain vigilant and seek alternative routes when possible. LiveDrive continues to provide updates, and officials encourage anyone with traffic information to report it via email at [email protected].

For ongoing updates, drivers can tune into LiveDrive on 103.2FM or join their breaking news service on WhatsApp for real-time notifications.

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Woman Arrested for 2009 Murder of Steven O’Meara in Wicklow

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BREAKING: A woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the 2009 killing of Steven O’Meara. This urgent development comes as authorities continue their investigation into the brutal crime that left the community shaken for over a decade.

Steven O’Meara, a 26-year-old father of three, was last seen alive on August 6, 2009, in the Rosehill estate of Wicklow town. His body was discovered on Christmas Eve five months later, buried in a shallow grave in isolated woods at Ballydonnell, Redcross. The identification was made through dental records and fingerprints, with the Deputy State Pathologist, Dr. Khalid Jabber, confirming that the cause of death was due to gunshot wounds resulting in internal bleeding.

According to reports, Steven was believed to have been lured to the woods to meet a man regarding a drug debt, where he was ambushed and shot. The latest arrest was made this afternoon, and the suspect is currently being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at a Garda station in County Wexford.

This case has seen previous convictions; Michael Dickenson was sentenced to life in prison for the murder in 2012, while Clement Byrne was convicted of manslaughter in January 2013 and received an eight-year sentence. He has since been released.

As the investigation continues under the leadership of a Senior Investigating Officer in Wexford Garda Station, the community is left to grapple with the implications of this new arrest. The emotional toll of Steven’s murder continues to affect his family and friends, who have awaited justice for many years.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.

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Urgent Update: 55 New Social Homes and Care Facility Planned in Athenry

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UPDATE: A major breakthrough for housing and care in Athenry as plans for 55 social homes and a new care facility progress rapidly. The developments at Cullairbaun and Gort Mhaoilir are set to address urgent community needs, providing vital support for families and individuals with special requirements.

The ambitious project includes a 12-unit social home development alongside a 5-bed care home facility, as well as a larger 43-unit housing project equipped with 57 parking spaces. Local officials have voiced their support, with some amendments expected to enhance the projects further.

Fine Gael Councillor Peter Feeney addressed concerns regarding the developments in a recent interview, emphasizing their importance for the community. “These homes will provide crucial support to families and individuals in need, ensuring they have access to safe and affordable housing,” Feeney stated.

Both housing projects are projected for completion by the end of 2026. This timeline is critical as Athenry faces increasing pressure for social housing solutions. The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated, as the community rallies for improved living conditions.

As this story unfolds, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely. The upcoming changes promise to reshape the landscape of Athenry, fostering a more inclusive environment for all its residents.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. The impact of these new homes and facilities will be felt across the community, making it an essential topic for discussion. Share this news to keep others informed about the positive changes coming to Athenry!

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EastEnders Legend Nigel Bates Exits Walford, Leaving Fans Heartbroken

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UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, beloved character Nigel Bates has officially quit Walford in an emotional farewell airing tonight on July 15, 2025. The heart-wrenching scenes show Nigel leaving in a taxi, leaving his close friend Phil Mitchell devastated.

Nigel’s departure follows a tumultuous storyline where he battles early onset dementia, relying heavily on Phil’s support over recent months. Meanwhile, Phil’s friend Jay Brown grows increasingly concerned about the toll this situation is taking on him. In a desperate attempt to reunite Nigel with his wife Julie, who had reported him missing, Jay reaches out to her.

Upon Julie’s return to Albert Square, tensions flare as she confronts Phil for not informing her about Nigel’s whereabouts. Initially, Nigel had misled Phil into believing he had separated from Julie to protect her from his deteriorating health. However, with both determined to care for Nigel, they ultimately clash over his future.

As the emotional scenes unfold, viewers witness Nigel’s poignant decision to return to Scotland with Julie, leaving Phil alone to reflect on their friendship. In a powerful moment, Phil, unable to say goodbye, reminisces over a photo of a younger Nigel and his daughter Clare.

Actress Karen Henthorn, who reprises her role as Julie after a 27-year hiatus, shared her thoughts ahead of the episode, stating, “Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she’ll go above and beyond to help him.” Henthorn emphasized that while Julie understands Phil’s good intentions, she is frustrated with his secrecy regarding Nigel’s condition.

The emotional weight of Nigel’s exit resonates deeply with fans, who have followed his journey since his return to the show last year after a 26-year absence. The captivating storyline has sparked discussions among viewers, making this episode a trending topic on social media.

As fans tune in to witness these heart-wrenching moments, the impact of Nigel’s departure from Walford is sure to leave a lasting impression on the show’s audience. Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.

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