Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
44. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the qualifying grant year of 2006 for insulation and heating control grants in houses will be extended to houses built before 2011 given the requirement for better insulation values in houses to maximise the efficiency of heat pumps and climate friendly heating upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41851/21]
View answer51. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is any consideration of making Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants available to improve energy efficiency and insulation for homes built after 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42115/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 51 together.
My Department funds a number of SEAI grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Since 2000, over 450,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light.
Building Regulations have been progressively strengthened and new buildings must now meet very high energy performance standards. Homes constructed since 2006 are generally more energy efficient than those built before due to energy performance requirements of the 2003 Building Regulations. For this reason, there is no grant incentive for residential insulation and heating controls for houses built and occupied after 2006. However, grant funding for renewable energy measures are available to homes built before 2011.
There are currently no plans to change the date of eligibility for SEAI insulation and heating controls grant assistance for homes built and occupied after 2006.
It is important to note that the grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were chosen as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at the best value for money for the Exchequer.
Full details on the application processes for all schemes operated by the SEAI are available at www.seai.ie.
