Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
742. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will examine the predicament of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, who was approved for attic insulation on 28 September 2012. [16935/13]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme under the Better Energy Programme. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.
The practice of insulating dormer roofs/sloped ceilings under the Warmer Homes scheme was reviewed late last year by the SEAI on foot of rapidly escalating costs. Sloping roofs present particular challenges, as insulation can only be installed in part of the roof space. Achieving sufficient ventilation, as required by the Building Regulations, to avoid condensation problems can be extremely costly. As a result, it has been decided that the significant additional costs cannot generally be justified by the marginal insulation gains. However, in a small number of instances alternative technical solutions may be possible. SEAI is in the process of reviewing all applications where sloping roofs are present and will contact relevant homeowners if an appropriate solution can be found.
Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hotline can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.
