Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
249. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount ringfenced for retrofitting of local authority homes in 2022; the number projected to be carried out in 2022; the projections for 2023; the amount of funding that will be required to achieve that target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38757/22]
View answerA new enhanced ten year energy efficiency programme was launched in 2021 in response to a commitment made under the Programme for Government, which called for the 'retrofit' of 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent BER standard by 2030, of which approximately 36,500 are expected to be local authority owned homes.
This new programme set a BER performance requirement of “B2” or cost optimal level. The upscaling of the works included in the programme sees a substantial overall increase in funding being made available for insulation, windows and doors and heating upgrades, specifically the installation of a Heat Pump and associated works. The installation of gas/oil boilers are no longer supported under the energy efficiency programme funded by my Department.
Earlier this year, my Department announced that funding of €85 million will be provided for the upgrade of approximately 2,400 social homes in 2022. Each local authority received an individual allocation along with a minimum target of homes they are required to retrofit. The programme has been devised in a way to give local authorities a level of flexibility when selecting properties to retrofit ranging from those requiring minor levels of works to properties needing the maximum level of retrofitting required to bring them to a B2/Cost Optimum standard.
Work in relation to the 2022 programme is underway but it will be later this year before significant recoupment claims are lodged with my Department. Full details in relation to the 2022 Energy Efficiency Programme will be available early in 2023.
Discussions are ongoing in relation to the target number of units to be retrofit per local authority and appropriate budget to implement the 2023 Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme.
