The Irish Government is investing €18.6 million (£13.4m) in energy efficiency projects.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alex White said the cash will be used for 29 energy -saving and renewable projects.

They will improve the energy efficiency of more than 2,000 homes and 400 buildings and are expected to make savings of €140 million (£100.08m)

Mr White said: “This will be crucial to persuade more people to undertake energy efficiency improvements in their homes or businesses. It will also support jobs in the local areas where these projects are delivered.

“The government is firmly committed to the ambitious goal of improving the energy efficiency of Ireland’s economy by at least 20% by 2020.”

A new report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) said households and businesses in the country could save €1.8 billion (£77.7bn) per year by being more energy efficient.