Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2018
58. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the national development plan contains targets and projects for retrofitting homes; if his Department had an input into same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7474/18]
View answerAs set out in successive planning documents, such as the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and National Mitigation Plan, both published in 2017, increasing the level and depth of energy efficiency upgrades to homes remains at the centre of policy in this area. This is reflected in the level of funding for these supports, which I have increased to €84m for 2018.
While much has been achieved in improving energy efficiency in the residential sector, it is clear that, post 2020, the scale and depth of the measures undertaken must significantly increase. This is why pilot projects such as the Deep Retrofit and Warmth & Wellbeing schemes are already underway. These cutting edge initiatives are creating the evidence base necessary for the increase in effort, and investment we know we will have to make on improving residential energy efficiency in the period to be covered by the forthcoming National Development Plan.
