Skip to main content
Normal View

Environmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Questions (191)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

191. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current waiting times for each of the retrofitting schemes available in the State by county; the number waiting on each waiting list and scheme in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18930/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Grants of up to 50% are now available for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. A total of €267 million in capital funding has been provided this year for SEAI residential and community schemes.

Of the total budget, €118 million has been allocated to the energy poverty schemes which are directly provided by contractors procured by SEAI. There are currently just over 6,900 homeowners on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. The number of homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme by county at the end of February 2022 is set out in the table below.

County

2022

Carlow

90

Cavan

74

Clare

123

Cork

746

Donegal

268

Dublin

2,054

Galway

355

Kerry

199

Kildare

237

Kilkenny

84

Laois

92

Leitrim

71

Limerick

236

Longford

59

Louth

118

Mayo

367

Meath

242

Monaghan

65

Offaly

122

Roscommon

124

Sligo

119

Tipperary

272

Waterford

146

Westmeath

149

Wexford

241

Wicklow

249

Total

6,902

SEAI data indicates that, for homes completed last year, the average cycle time from application to completion was 26 months for the Warmer Homes Scheme and 27 months for the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme. It is important to note that COVID-19 related restrictions in 2020 and 2021 negatively impacted wait times under these schemes. 

Addressing this issue is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI. This year’s budget allocation will support an increase in the number of homes retrofitted from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This level of activity will reduce waiting times and enable the homes currently on the Warmer Homes Scheme list to be cleared in approximately 18 months.  The SEAI is also allocating additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme and is working to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.

Other SEAI schemes require homeowners to procure their own contractor or one-stop-shops secure approval from SEAI and draw down a grant once the works are completed. 

SEAI approval for Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Schemes is automatic once the conditions are met and completion times are within the control of the homeowner.  However, works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval. Under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, homeowners will engage a registered One Stop Shop to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under this scheme within 12 months.

 

Top
Share