I propose to take Questions Nos. 639 to 643, inclusive, together.
Local authorities have been undertaking an ambitious programme of insulation retrofitting on the least energy efficient social housing homes since 2013, with funding support from my Department. Over €128 million of exchequer support has been provided for this work to end-2018, which has improved the energy efficiency and comfort levels in over 68,000 local authority homes, benefitting those at risk of fuel poverty and making a significant contribution to Ireland’s carbon emissions reduction and energy reduction targets. An annual breakdown of the funding provided is set out in the Table.
The retrofitting programme is being implemented in a number of phases; Phase 1 commenced in 2013 and focused on providing attic/roof insulation and the less intrusive cavity wall insulation in all relevant properties, while Phase 2 will focus on the external fabric upgrade of those social housing units with solid/hollow block wall construction and will also include the provision of heating upgrades. The maximum grant available under Phase 1 was €3,500 per property, while the maximum grant available under Phase 2 will be €22,800 per property.
For 2019, the programme has an allocated exchequer budget of €25 million. My Department has requested all local authorities to submit proposed programmes of activity for the year and those received so far are now being assessed in terms of an equitable allocation to all local authorities within the exchequer funding available.
Year
|
Funding drawn down
|
2013
|
€26,951,705
|
2014
|
€30,723,748
|
2015
|
€26,903,781
|
2016
|
€22,532,835
|
2017
|
€8,665,268
|
2018
|
€12,942,633
|