Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
105. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of upgrades provided under the warmth and well-being scheme, by year and county; and the way the scheme will be incorporated into new schemes going forward. [9281/22]
View answerThe Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme aims to objectively measure and validate the health and wellbeing impacts of improving the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions. The scheme is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Health and is jointly administered by the Health Service Executive and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Since 2016, 1,464 homes have received free upgrades to their homes, including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The scheme was established as a pilot in HSE Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) 7, specifically Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 & 24, and one of the qualifying criteria for the scheme is that applicants must reside within the area designated for the pilot scheme. The numbers of upgrades completed in these areas under the Warmth and Wellbeing scheme in each of the years 2016 to 31 December 2021 are as follows.
|
YEAR |
NO. OF HOMES COMPLETED |
|
2016 |
72 |
|
2017 |
360 |
|
2018 |
455 |
|
2019 |
340 |
|
2020 |
91 |
|
2021 |
146 |
|
TOTAL |
1,464 |
Given that the research element of the scheme has now closed to participants having reached a sufficient number, new applications for the scheme will cease on 28 February. Existing applications will receive their upgrades in line with the existing terms and conditions.
The Exchequer investment in this scheme has significantly improved the warmth and comfort of the homes involved. Initial reports have indicated that the upgrades are also delivering benefits to the health and wellbeing of participants, including reports of needing fewer GP and hospital visits, fewer prescriptions for antibiotics as well as increased engagement with other support services in the community. An independent analysis of the scheme benefits is being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, in collaboration with the Health Service Executive.
The details of how the scheme can inform Government’s approaches to retrofitting, especially with regard to those who are more vulnerable and at risk of energy poverty, will be informed by the final findings of the analysis. From next year, the Warmth and Wellbeing budget will be transferred to the Warmer Homes Scheme.
