Written Answers Nos. 151-170
151. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated full cost of a retrofitting programme that would bring 50,000 homes in 2023 up to a BER A1, A2 and A3 rating respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41455/22]
View answerThe 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 Plan and National Retrofit Plan have ring-fenced €8 billion to support all residential upgrades to 2030.
The Retrofit Plan estimates that, between 2019 and 2025, almost 185,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered with over 83,000 to a B2/cost optimal level. When the emissions savings from the non-B2 upgrades are included, this is the equivalent of 120,000 B2 upgrades over the period. As a result, there will a need to deliver, on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 to achieve the overall target of 500,000 by 2030.
Earlier this year, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades and include:
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- A significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades provided to those at risk of energy poverty alongside changes to the operation of the Warmer Homes Scheme. This includes ensuring the Scheme prioritises those in the worst performing homes first and opening the Scheme for homeowner ‘revisits’ thereby allowing them apply for deeper energy upgrade measures now available under the scheme.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation has also been introduced for all households. This will help to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
The cost of a retrofit to bring a property to a post works building Energy Rating of B2 depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended. The Department estimates that the cost ranges significantly from €14,000 to €66,000.
152. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current annual spending on rural broadband; the projected annual investment over the next five years per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41457/22]
View answerThe contract for the National Broadband Plan (NBP) provides that a future proofed high speed broadband network will be deployed by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to people living and working in the intervention area. It is expected that over 600,000 premises, including new builds, will be served by the fibre network.
The maximum possible cost to the State for the NBP network will be €2.7 billion over 25 years. The majority of this subsidy will be used over the years 2022 to 2030 as NBI achieve deployment milestones and connects premises. The total cost also includes €480m in conditional subsidy that may be triggered in a limited number of specific circumstances.
Exchequer spend on the NBP in 2022 to date is €72.7 million. The revised Budget allocation available for the NBP for 2022 is €195 million. Annual budgets will be agreed based on target projections each year until the Programme is complete.
153. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the dumping task forces; and if consideration will be given to establishing a number of task forces in Cork city. [41580/22]
View answerUnder the Waste Management Act, primary responsibility for waste management and enforcement lies with the Local Authorities and it is a matter for each Local Authority to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle illegal dumping locally within the legislation provided. I am satisfied that the appropriate national, regional and local structures are in place to support strong enforcement action by local authorities with significant funding provided by my Department through, inter alia, the Waste Enforcement Measures Grants Scheme and the Anti-Dumping Initiative.
Operationally, the National Waste Enforcement Steering Committee oversees the work of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities which were established to position the local authority sector to better respond to emerging and priority waste enforcement challenges.
The Circular Economy Bill, which recently completed its progression through the Oireachtas, will, when enacted, facilitate the use of CCTV and other Audio Visual Recording equipment in order to further assist local authorities in their efforts to combat illegal dumping.
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date in the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in County Cavan; the progress that is expected in improving access to broadband in this area in 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41591/22]
View answer155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date in the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in County Monaghan; the progress that is expected in improving access to broadband in this area in 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41592/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 15 July 2022, over 313,600 premises are design completed and over 70,700 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties. NBI has further advised that over 63,600 premises are passed with a high speed fibre broadband service across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with projections with some areas exceeding expectations.
NBI has advised that as of the end of June there over 3,600 premises passed and available for connection in County Cavan and almost 4,400 premises passed in County Monaghan. Further details are available on specific areas within Cavan and Monaghan through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence.
NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas in all 26 counties, including the status of the Deployment Areas located in Cavan and Monaghan. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 15 July 2022, 657 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Cavan, 12 BCP sites have been installed to date, with 15 sites installed in County Monaghan. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/.
In County Cavan, some 13 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access, with 11 now installed in County Monaghan. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
156. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the dividends paid by State-owned enterprises under the remit of his Department in each of the past five years; the projected dividends to be received in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41649/22]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in relation to dividends paid by state bodies under the aegis of my Department is available in the published Annual Report and Accounts of the relevant companies, ESB, Bord na Móna and Eirgrid.
Projected dividend payments are a matter for the Board of each State body to determine and will also be published in due course.
157. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated number of homes with a BER rating of less than B2 or B3 respectively in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41665/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not routinely reported on by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to my Department. However, Central Statistics Office, in their Domestic Building Energy Ratings Report for Quarter 2, 2022, published on 13th July 2022, shows on Table 16: "BERs weighted to National Level (2009-2022)" that 72% of homes have a BER of B3 or below, while 89% of homes have a BER of B2 or below.
The full report is available on the CSO website at: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-dber/domesticbuildingenergyratingsquarter22022/
158. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grants available for wall insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41695/22]
View answerEarlier this year, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades and include:
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- A significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades provided to those at risk of energy poverty alongside changes to the operation of the Warmer Homes Scheme. This includes ensuring the Scheme prioritises those in the worst performing homes first and opening the Scheme for homeowner ‘revisits’ thereby allowing them apply for deeper energy upgrade measures now available under the scheme.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation has also been introduced for all households. This will help to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
Further information on the grants available from SEAI can be found on their website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/insulation-grants/
159. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is giving consideration to the immediate establishment of a National Just Transition Commission, based on social dialogue, as called for by Just Transition Alliance, an innovative campaign network comprised of trade unions, environmental and civil society groups; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41703/22]
View answerThe Government has adopted, through the Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP21), a framework for a just transition, comprising four principles:
1. An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just climate transition requirements.
2. People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.
3. The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.
4. Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.
As set out in CAP 2021, this framework should be considered by all relevant Ministers in the process of climate action policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that response measures support all aspects of achieving a just transition. This includes creating sustainable employment opportunities, providing reskilling and retraining opportunities, and providing appropriate supports for those most vulnerable as part of Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy.
The Government has also committed, in CAP 2021, to establishing a statutory Just Transition Commission. CAP 2021 sets out that the purpose of the Commission will be to provide strategic advice to Government, integrating its role with existing governance and engagement structures, on how Government policy can further a just transition. I am currently progressing the development of proposals on the mandate of the Commission, including engagement with relevant stakeholders such as the Just Transition Alliance, which will also inform the appropriate legislative approach to the Commission.
In light of the role that he has performed as Just Transition Commissioner in the Midlands Region since 2019, I have also asked Kieran Mulvey to continue to act in an advisory role, providing support to me on the development of proposals for the statutory Commission.
160. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises that have been passed to date by the National Broadband Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41722/22]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 15 July 2022, over 313,600 premises are design completed and over 70,700 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties. NBI has further advised that over 63,600 premises are passed with a high speed fibre broadband service across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with projections with some areas exceeding expectations.
Further details are available on specific areas through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie/rep.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 657 BCP sites have been installed by NBI, as of 15 July 2022, and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs.
Some 380 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
161. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current milestones related the delivery of the National Broadband Plan for which the failure to meet would result in penalties being applied to National Broadband Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41723/22]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) contains a number of targets and milestones to be completed by NBI in order to deliver the rollout of high-speed broadband services to all premises in the Intervention Area by the end of 2026.
NBI is entitled to claim the payment of relevant subsidy only when contract targets and milestones have been achieved and independently verified. Subsidy payments are therefore held until NBI meets these milestones. Failure to meet these milestones has financial impacts for NBI as the company is not able to draw down subsidy.
The sanctions regime, which came into effect from the start of Contract Year 3 on 1 February 2022, relates to performance levels that NBI is required to meet for both the connection of premises and the operational performance of the network.Under an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) for 2022 concluded between NBI and my Department, a revised target was agreed of 102,000 premises passed by the end of Contract Year 3, i.e. 31 January 2023. The contract provides that sanction provisions relating to delays to delivery of the network are applicable to any delays that occur from 1 February 2022 and will be calculated and imposed in line with the contract and the UIRP.
Sanctions around Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relating to operational performance levels of NBI, including time to connect premises, minimum upload and download speeds and performance around fault repair are also part of the contract. Should NBI’s performance not be in accordance with the requirements contained within the NBP contract, performance points and consequently performance credits will accrue which will reduce the value of subsidy payments received by NBI.
162. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the 2021 annual transition statement will be published as required by section 14(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41750/22]
View answerThe 2020 Annual Transition Statement, the preparation of which was provided for under Section 14(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, was presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas in June 2022. It includes an overview of Ireland’s climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures, including specific updates for the various sectors designated in the 2015 Act. It also sets out a record of greenhouse gas emissions from the most recent inventory prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency and projections of future emissions, together with a report on the State’s compliance with its obligations under EU law and international agreements.
The strengthened climate governance framework provided for under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 means that Annual Transition Statements have now been replaced by Climate Action Plans and Long-term Climate Strategies, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and the Climate Change Advisory Council. Therefore, the 2020 Annual Transition Statement will be the last such statement to be prepared.
163. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made in the development of new conventional generation as outlined in the Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply. [41751/22]
View answerThe running of the capacity auction process is by the Transmission System Operator Eirgrid according to the auction design and under overall regulatory supervision of the SEM Committee. There has been two capacity market auctions held since the Policy Statement on Security of Electricity of Supply was published, with a further auction scheduled for Q1 2023. Information on the results of recent capacity auctions can be accessed at the following link www.sem-o.com/markets/capacity-market-overview/.
In addition to this, the CRU has also directed Eirgrid to procure temporary generation as part of a programme of work published in September 2021 to provide additional stability and reliance to the Irish energy system over the next four to five years. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website. The update notes that the public procurement exercise for the first tranche of 200MW is currently in the final stages, while a process to procure a second tranche of 450MW has now commenced.
164. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the amount spent on the development and promotion of the public awareness campaign on the ABC of Cleaner Air this winter; the media types and social media platforms used to promote the scheme, including any money paid for promoted materials on these platforms; the tools used to monitor the success of the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41752/22]
View answerThe public awareness campaign ‘ABC for Cleaner Air’ was developed and delivered in 2021. The total cost of the campaign, which ran on national television, radio and social media platforms was €194,240.
The aim of the campaign was to educate people about the air pollution caused by the burning of solid fuels and the associated health impacts. Each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short- and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution.
The effectiveness of the campaign is currently being reviewed to inform the development of further public awareness measures to be rolled out in the coming heating season.
165. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the date that sulphur content will be permitted for all fuels be reduced from 2% to 1%. [41753/22]
View answerThe proposed new solid fuel regulations which were agreed by Government outline the technical requirements that all solid fuels must conform to when used for the purposes of combustion for heating (space or water) in a fireplace in a domestic or a licensed premises.
Subject to a market assessment, the draft regulations provide that from 1 September 2025, the sulphur content for coal products and manufactured solid fuels, including manufactured part biomass products will be reduced to 1% by weight on a dry ash-free basis.
166. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans will come into operation. [41754/22]
View answerOn 1st July 2022 I approved an application from Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (DRSI) to act as an approved body under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021. This approval is a vital foundational element for the project, giving DRSI the legal standing to develop a deposit return scheme and commence formal engagement with producers and retailers.
DRS will be launched Q3 of this year, when the scheme will open for registrations from producers and retailers. DRS is a major project involving the development of complex IT, infrastructure and communication systems, which will be implemented by DRSI over the course of 2023.
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.
169. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of solar electricity grants and solar water heating grants issued by county over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41775/22]
View answerThe information requested is set out in the following tables:
Solar PV Installs by County to end June 2022
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 (YTD) |
|
|
County |
No SPV Installs |
No SPV Installs |
No SPV Installs |
No SPV Installs |
No SPV Installs |
|
Carlow |
3 |
31 |
49 |
54 |
37 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
53 |
65 |
86 |
43 |
|
Clare |
1 |
34 |
59 |
101 |
88 |
|
Cork |
4 |
129 |
266 |
439 |
304 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
40 |
82 |
129 |
51 |
|
Dublin |
18 |
369 |
570 |
803 |
513 |
|
Galway |
2 |
104 |
128 |
275 |
192 |
|
Kerry |
38 |
77 |
104 |
70 |
|
|
Kildare |
9 |
154 |
190 |
291 |
186 |
|
Kilkenny |
56 |
79 |
84 |
70 |
|
|
Laois |
2 |
29 |
62 |
96 |
57 |
|
Leitrim |
14 |
29 |
33 |
25 |
|
|
Limerick |
3 |
29 |
68 |
113 |
89 |
|
Longford |
31 |
29 |
33 |
17 |
|
|
Louth |
88 |
99 |
146 |
99 |
|
|
Mayo |
2 |
33 |
56 |
79 |
65 |
|
Meath |
4 |
120 |
195 |
238 |
151 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
23 |
49 |
66 |
27 |
|
Offaly |
32 |
53 |
63 |
40 |
|
|
Roscommon |
1 |
32 |
67 |
77 |
43 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
39 |
72 |
110 |
58 |
|
Tipperary |
67 |
111 |
160 |
112 |
|
|
Waterford |
1 |
36 |
95 |
87 |
62 |
|
Westmeath |
58 |
78 |
92 |
34 |
|
|
Wexford |
1 |
93 |
137 |
153 |
129 |
|
Wicklow |
6 |
90 |
151 |
166 |
132 |
|
Grand Total |
71 |
1822 |
2916 |
4078 |
2694 |
Number of Solar Water Heating Grants Issued
|
County |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 (YTD) |
|
Carlow |
6 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
7 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
6 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
26 |
10 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dublin |
330 |
340 |
118 |
7 |
1 |
|
Galway |
9 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
11 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
43 |
40 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
12 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
9 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford |
5 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
38 |
17 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
6 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Meath |
39 |
26 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
5 |
3 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
14 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
10 |
11 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
10 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
10 |
4 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
13 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
36 |
29 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
Grand Total = |
664 |
528 |
220 |
23 |
4 |
170. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications for retrofits that have been received by each one-stop-shop, as opposed to expressions of interest to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41777/22]
View answer175. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits completed by each one-stop-shop to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41790/22]
View answer176. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of home energy assessments carried out by each one-stop-shop to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41791/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 175 and 176 together.
In February this year, the Government approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades thereby achieving lower energy bills and lower emissions.
The measures announced include the establishment of the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) which offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from around 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade (with a heat pump), with One-Stop-Shops (OSSs) providing a start-to-finish service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; managing the grant process and quality assurance.
The SEAI advise that ten OSSs have now been registered, and the SEAI is actively working with applicant organisations to support them through this registration process.
Applications for grant funding under the NHEUS take the form of a two-step process where the OSS apply on behalf of the homeowner for (1) a Home Energy Assessment grant and (2) a Home Energy Upgrade works grant for eligible measures required to bring the home to a B2 BER or better and achieve a primary energy uplift of 100 kWh/m²/yr.
The OSS is required to secure the consent of the homeowner before applying for a HEA or NHEUS grant. The HEA and the associated grant being separate to the home energy upgrade supports, means that the OSS will enter into separate contracts with homeowners at the two points of the process. These contracts will respectively provide that the OSS (i) complete the Home Energy Assessment within 12 months from the date the HEA grant offer issues and (ii) complete all home energy upgrade works associated with a property within 12 months of date of the grant offer.
SEAI has indicated that the OSSs have received over 18,000 initial expressions of interest by phone and online, showing the interest in the new offering. The SEAI advise that figures to the end of June show that 441 applications for home energy assessments and 210 applications for works have been submitted under the NHEUS with applications expected to increase in the coming months.
To date, this year no full home energy upgrades have been completed under the NHEUS. However, the OSSs have completed 279 homes to the end of June this year for contracts under the One Stop Shop Development Call 2021. When added to the 805 completed in 2021 and the remaining homes due to be completed shortly, it is expected that over 1,100 homes will be delivered under the One Stop Shop Development Call 2021 pilot.
