Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019
51. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to address the significant deficit in funding to the SEAI for the deep retrofit of homes here in the context of 2030 climate action targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41404/19]
View answerThe Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme was launched in 2017 as a time bound pilot to investigate the challenges and opportunities of deep retrofit in Ireland. The scheme, which is funded by my Department and operated by the SEAI, closed for applications on 19 July. The total budget for the scheme this year is €10 million – double the amount spent on the scheme last year. Almost €2 million has been paid in grants under the scheme so far this year. All applications received in advance of the July 19 deadline are being evaluated and honoured in line with the scheme terms and conditions.
While the Deep Retrofit Pilot is now closed to new applications, a number of other grants for energy efficiency works remain available. Information on these grants is available from the SEAI website. Since 2000, over 400,000 homeowners have received direct support under these schemes to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. This year €100 million has been allocated to these schemes.
The Government’s Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target of 500,000 energy efficiency retrofits by 2030. Achievement of this target will be supported by the Project Ireland 2040 allocation of €3.7 billion as well as the range of measures identified in the Plan.
Budget 2020 has allocated €146 million for retrofitting homes and businesses. This will support the upgrade of 24,000 properties in 2020. This record level of investment is an important step towards realising the Government’s Climate Action Plan targets for building retrofits.
