Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
245. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the SEAI on the current backlog of applications for the SEAI warmer homes grant; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15009/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date, the Government has provided funding for free upgrades to over 142,000 homes under the scheme and in 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800. There are currently over 7,800 homes on the scheme work programme. This includes homes that: are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor or are awaiting initial survey. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2020, the average time from application to completion was approximately 18 months. The scheme operates nationally on a first come first served basis and the wait times have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
My Department regularly engages with the SEAI in relation to the operation of the Scheme. Funding for the SEAI energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased to over €109 million in 2021 – an increase of €47 million on last year. In addition, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.
