Are there grants available for BER certs
Yes. Sei under the Home energy saving scheme offer grants for energy saving home improvements, which include a Building Energy Rating Assesment.
See http://www.sei.ie grants for more information.

What grants are available for home improvements:

Home Energy Saving scheme:
Roof Insulation €250.00
Cavity wall Insulation €400
Internal wall Insulation €2,500
External wall Insulation €4,000
High Efficiency Boiler replacement plus heating controls €700
Heating Controls only €500
BER Cert €200

Other grants are available under the green Homes scheme III which include items such as heat pumps, Biomass Stoves and Boilers and solar panels.

What is the process - How do Architects work through to lodging a planning permission
The procedure is normally as follows:
A first meeting or consultation takes place with your Architect at your home to form a proposed brief to the project.
At this stage a detailed fee proposal should be issued to allow you digest the information discussed / obtained and decide if you wish to proceed.
A Survey may be required to allow accurate assessment of the area available and ensure true dimensions.
Next a serious of sketches will be produced and explained how the brief is being realised.
These should be fully understood by the client before proceeding into further detail.
Client decides on best scheme / sketch or combination of ideas, which they would like to proceed to planning.
Contact should be made and discussions held with Planners and Road engineers prior to finalising drawings.
Planning Drawings are prepared and a final discussion session held with Clients to ensure all areas are agreed.
Possible meetings with neighbours to Highlight scheme and agree any possible areas of concern.
Planning permission Lodged, Site notices installed on site, Architect will monitor application through the system.

Can I convert my garage to living accommodation without permission?
Yes. Subject to the provisions as laid down by Part 1 of the second schedule to the Planning & Development regulations 2001. The garage must also be attached to the dwelling.

What is the time scale for a planning decision?
Generally 8 weeks from date application is received by Local Authority, plus 4 weeks for appeals.
Site notice must remain in place for 5 weeks from receipt of Application date.
If a Further Information request is issued, 4 weeks from receipt of information, plus 4 weeks for appeals.
If Clarification of FI is requested, 4 weeks from receipt of Clarification, plus 4 weeks for appeals.

When Planning Permission is granted - when can I start building?
On receipt of final grant, a commencement Notice must be issued not less than 14 days and not more than 28 days before the commencement date of the works. The notice must also have relevant fee attached. It is only after notice is validated can work commence on site.

Can I build an extension to my Home without Planning Permission?
The construction of an extension or conservatory does not require planning when its to the rear of the house. General guidelines for size etc would be;
a) The floor area of the proposed extension (including all previous extensions) cannot exceed 40 sqm.
b) Semi Detached or terrace - approx area allowed 28sqm ground floor and max 12 sq m first floor. Total 40sqm
c) Detached House Approx 20sq m ground floor and max 20sq m first floor. - Total 40sqm
d) All first floor extensions must be not less than 2m from any party boundary.

Does a Porch require Planning permission?
No. Provided that: a) Not less than 2 m from Roadway. b) Not more than 2 sq m in area. c) Height 3m for Flat roof, 4m for Pitched roof. 

Does an Extension to the side of a House require Planning permission?
Yes, this is not an exempted development. An existing garage may be converted without Permission.

Does an Extension to the Front of a House require Planning permission?
Yes, this is not an exempted Development. A Porch can be exempted to the front.

Can I build walls around my house without Planning Permission?
Yes. Provided not more than 2m high to rear. Not more than 1.2m to the front or forward of the front of the house.

Can I erect a Satellite Dish without Permission?
Yes. Provided that: a) Only 1 per house. b) Max dia. 1m. c) Not erected on or forward of front wall of the House. d) Not to be erected on the front slope or higher than the highest part of the roof.