Why not over here?

This from a regional Irish Newspaper, the Guardian, highlights just what a government committed to actually doing something (rather than just talking about doing it) can achieve.

"The homeowner will pre-pay €100 towards the cost of this assessment, with Sustainable Energy Ireland subsidising the balance. Approximately two thirds of the cost of this assessment, will therefore, will 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 double-glazing, heating control or a range of other energy efficient works. Grants will then cover up to 30% of the cost of these works, to a maximum of €2,500. On completion of the works a follow-up energy assessment on the building will be undertaken so that there is a 'before and after' test of what has been done."

Simple, assessable, checkable and measurable benefits!

So, the big question is, why have our own Gov's schemes been such a total dog's breakfast, to the point where the majority have now been passed into the hands of the big utility companies? Is it simply that, for our lot, 'talking about doing' is just that much easier then 'doing'?

So why, oh why, can't our lot do it?

Yet another example of a country's sensible government issuing tax incentives for the adoption of energy saving measures as reported by EDIE. Well done Ireland!

Our lot seem so stuck with their heads in the sand (or should that be Northern Rock?), talking 'til they're blue in the face, but at the end of the day, achieving, and incentivising, absolutely nothing.

Plus ca change.