Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
157. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the target number of homes to be completed under the attic and cavity wall insulation scheme in 2022 and 2023; the budget for this scheme in both years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9852/22]
View answerThe Government has approved a package of supports as part of the deliver of Ireland’s residential retrofit programme. 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.
Included in these measures is the introduction of a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation. The grant offering will be available across all part-funded schemes and will be available to all households in 2022, as a sustainable and enduring response to the current exceptionally high energy prices.
Funding for the initiative will be met from within the overall funding allocation of €267 million for the SEAI for residential and community retrofit schemes 2022. Decisions on the level of funding for the initiative in future years will be considered as part of the annual Estimates process.
The exceptionally high grants should secure strong interest among homeowners to avail of these energy upgrade measures this year, however the Scheme is obviously demand led and precise uptake is difficult to predict. SEAI estimates indicate that total numbers availing of the enhanced grant could double from a combined 4,500 to 9,000 or above.
