Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
191. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if it is the case that works on the SEAI warmer home scheme were suspended or are suspended due to Covid-19; the number of homes affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28793/20]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. In 2019, €39.8 million was allocated to the Scheme with over 3,000 homes upgraded. Budget 2020 announced a budget allocation for the scheme of €52.8 million. This represents the biggest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Earlier this year, in line with public health and Government guidelines in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, all works under SEAI funded schemes were advised to pause for a period of time. On June 29th SEAI advised contractors working on the Warmer Homes scheme, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business and Return to work safely protocol, that works in homes that could be classified as lower risk under the scheme could resume. This allowed works to resume/commence in a small number of homes, subject to the parameters set out by SEAI and a thorough risk assessment of the property and all occupants by the contractor. The aim at all times was to minimise the risks for the homeowners and property occupants, contractors, their employees and the wider community.
On July 20th SEAI broadened these parameters, enabling contractors to carry out more works in more homes, again subject to risk assessments taking into account COVID-19 risks associated with engaging with any occupants during instances such as but not limited to, induction meetings, visits, customer service tasks, heating system guidance and key handover tasks at the start and end of works. It remains the case however that approximately 50% of the homes allocated to contractors are deemed ‘very high risk’, and therefore activity has not returned to pre COVID-19 levels.
SEAI has been reviewing how to ensure the scheme aligns with the recently published 'Plan for Living with Covid-19'. This must be balanced with the continuing risks of COVID-19 for applicants, contractors and the wider community. My officials have been informed by the SEAI that a communication to contractors in this regard is imminent.
There are currently over 8,000 homes on the scheme waiting list. This includes homes currently undergoing works, those that have been allocated to contractors for works, those awaiting allocation to a contractor and those awaiting the initial survey of their home.
