Local authorities are currently undertaking an ambitious programme of insulation retrofitting, with the support of my Department, on the least energy efficient social homes. Funding of some €107 million has been provided from 2013 to end-2016 to improve energy efficiency and comfort levels in more than 58,000 local authority homes, benefitting those at risk of fuel poverty and making a significant contribution to Ireland’s carbon emissions reduction targets and energy reduction targets for 2020.
The insulation retrofitting programme is being implemented in a number of phases: Phase 1 commenced in 2013 and is focused on providing attic/roof insulation and the less intrusive cavity wall insulation in all relevant properties while Phase 2 of the programme, which has been piloted in both Fingal and Westmeath County Councils, will focus on the external fabric upgrade of those social housing units with solid/hollow block wall construction.
Dublin City Council has completed all Phase 1 works under the Programme, retrofitting over 6,700 units of its social housing stock at a cost of over €12.5m.
Based on the most recent information from local authorities, it is estimated that there are some 18,000 and 19,000 homes requiring Phase 1 and 2 works, respectively. The main focus of the funding available in 2017 is on making significant progress on the completion of the remaining Phase 1 works, with a view to having all Phase 1 works completed by the end of 2018. My Department will consider whether some Phase 2 works can be funded in 2018 for those authorities which have completed Phase 1.