Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
245. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the waiting time between application and completion of works for the warmer homes scheme has gone from 18 to 24 months; if the waiting time can be shortened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17541/21]
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 143,000 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 8,000 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. The work programme was particularly impacted by COVID-19 between March and June of last year when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. The scheme has again been paused since additional restrictions on the construction sector were reintroduced in January. It is intended to recommence works as soon as the public health guidance allows.
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. These initiatives will increase the number of homes that can be retrofitted when COVID restrictions are lifted.
