Pearse Doherty
Question:2219. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the SEAI will be adequately resourced to continue to deliver the better energy warmer homes scheme. [32342/19]
View answerTuesday, 23 July 2019
Questions (2219)
Written answers
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme provides free energy efficiency upgrades to the homes of people living in or at risk of energy poverty. The Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. In June 2018 the range of energy efficiency measures available under the Scheme was expanded to include ‘deeper’ measures. Under the expanded scheme, in certain circumstances, external or internal wall insulation, central heating and replacement windows, can be provided where a technical assessment (by SEAI contractors) considers them necessary. Since the expansion of the scheme demand for the scheme has been very high resulting in longer waiting times for applicants.
The initial 2019 budget allocation for the Scheme of €24m was in line with the 2018 allocation. However, following a mid-year capital review conducted by my Department and SEAI, the budget has been increased to €39.8m for 2019. Decisions in relation to the 2020 budget allocation for the Warmer Homes Scheme and the other energy efficiency and sustainable energy grant schemes will be made as part of the annual Estimates process later this year.