Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
166. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is an average wait time for a contractor to be appointed in circumstances in which approval has been granted under the warmer homes scheme; if these wait times are consistent throughout the country; if the case of a person (details supplied) in this regard will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11266/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,100.
There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are:
- Awaiting the initial survey of their home;
- Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor;
- Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or,
- Currently undergoing works.
Activity under the Scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2021, the average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 26 months. While this delay was largely driven by COVID related issues, the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018, also involve more substantive works.
In order to reduce this timeline to completion, the following key actions are being taken:
- The budget, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;
- The number of homes retrofitted under the scheme are due to increase from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month in 2022;
- SEAI has allocated additional staff for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme;
- SEAI is working to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.
Works under the Scheme recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector and activity did ramp up again towards the end of last year. Based on the foregoing, SEAI target clearing the homes currently on the waiting list in approximately 18 months. The status of individual applications is an operational matter for SEAI and they have established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members in this regard; oireachtas@seai.ie.
