Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
655. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority homes that have been retrofitted; the BER rating to which they have been brought up; the average cost per home; how many more local authority homes are due to be retrofitted; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36957/23]
View answerIn response to the Programme for Government commitment, my Department launched a newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) in 2021 to retrofit 36,500 local authority homes by 2030. 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 attic and wall 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.
An annualised breakdown of the funding provided and the number of properties upgraded under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit programme for the years 2013-2022 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
My Department announced that funding of €87 million will be provided for the upgrade of approximately 2,400 social homes in 2023. Each local authority received an individual allocation along with a minimum target of homes they are required to retrofit.
Under the 2023 EERP programme, my Department funds costs of up to €48,850, plus project management fees, on individual local authority homes. The actual cost of retrofitting works on each home will depend on its pre-works BER. Targets set and funding allocated to local authorities under the new programme calls for local authorities to undertake a variety of house types, from those requiring minimal investment to those requiring major investment, in order to achieve the B2/Cost Optimal BER. Local authorities are asked to ensure that the average cost per home drawn down under the programme is circa €36,500, including project management fees. Adhering to this average will ensure that the maximum number of homes can be retrofitted with the available budget.
Work in relation to the 2023 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 2023 EERP will be available early in 2024.
