Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2022
60. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the previously available scheme for deep retrofitting administered by the SEAI had a limit on the percentage allocation to work being carried out, that is, if the previous scheme only allowed for 25% of the funding to a deep retrofit or in which funds matched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8636/22]
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. Under the scheme 50% grant funding was available for homes that carried out retrofit to an A rating and replaced fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps and renewables, with 95% support available for people at risk of energy poverty. The pilot has provided detailed information on the types of upgrades and technologies suited to particular homes, the costs associated with deeper retrofit, post works energy performance of homes retrofitted as well as customer and contractor experience of undertaking deeper retrofit projects. A key requirement of the scheme was that applications came from service providers rather than homeowners and involved at least 5 homes.
Last week the Government launched a package of supports in line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
The supports included the establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump. The design of the new scheme has been informed by extensive research, engagement with stakeholders and experience both internationally and in Ireland under other schemes including the Deep Retrofit Pilot.
Further information on the results of the Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme are available on SEAI’s website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/deep-retrofit-grant/key-findings/
