Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
288. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views in relation to the health impact arising from fuel poverty; his further views on the need for greater investment to prevent fuel poverty and the corresponding health consequences for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20308/22]
View answerEnergy poverty, or fuel poverty is influenced by a person’s income, the energy efficiency of their home, and the cost of the energy they use in their home. Excess winter mortality has been linked to energy poverty and to poor housing standards. Energy efficiency measures are central to addressing the root causes of energy poverty, and may also be an effective preventative intervention to improve cold-related health impacts. Creating healthy indoor living environments with healthy air temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and improved air quality can support good physical and mental health. The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by the end of 2030. These targets represent a very significant increase in both the volume and depth of retrofit activity in Ireland. The National Development and National Retrofit Plans have ring-fenced €8 billion to support the achievement of this objective. This will be supplemented by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage budget for retrofitting 36,500 local authority homes.
This year, 58% (€203 million) of the total Government retrofit budget of €352 million will be spent on dedicated energy poverty retrofit supports and local authority retrofits. Grants are also available for those who can afford to contribute to the cost of retrofitting their home. Up to 50% of the typical cost of a whole home retrofit to a B2 Building Energy Rating is available, as well as individual grants covering up to 80% of the typical cost of some measures. These supports will make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
The Warmth and Wellbeing scheme, funded by my Department, and operated by the SEAI and the HSE 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. An independent analysis of the scheme benefits is being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, in collaboration with the HSE.
