Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
167. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will put a priority list in place for particularly vulnerable individuals waiting on average two years for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41772/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners. The scheme is only available to lower income households who are 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 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.
Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme programme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. In order to reduce the timeline to completion and target a monthly average of 400 completions this year, the following actions have already been 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;
- SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
- SEAI is working to Increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.
Data provided to my Department by the SEAI indicates that, for homes completed in 2022, the average cycle time from application to completion was 28 months. However, it is important to note that cycle times have been affected by COVID related issues. In addition, there are deeper measures being provided under the Scheme since 2018, which involve more substantive works. Homes that are longest on the waiting list receive works first.
