Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
77. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications for the SEAI warmer homes grant to date in 2023; the current average length of time persons are waiting for SEAI warmer homes grant works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37279/23]
View answer147. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he is aware that the current waiting time with the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland between application and completion of works under the free energy upgrade scheme is in the region of 24 months; if he is taking steps to improve the situation and reduce the waiting time; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38627/23]
View answer197. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes this year to date; if he will provide a breakdown of works undertaken under those schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39347/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 147 and 197 together.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide upgrades to those living in, or at risk of, energy poverty. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households as quickly as possible is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme are driving increased levels of demand for the scheme. This can be seen in application numbers with over 9,900 applications received in 2022 and over 10,000 additional applications received up until the end of August this year alone.
It should be noted that the scheme has been delivering a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have increased from €2,600 in 2015 to €24,000 in 2023. The increase in depth of retrofit is also reflected in the waiting times as more significant works take a longer time per home to complete. It also is important to note that the scheme was also impacted significantly by construction sector closures and restrictions on home visits associated with COVID-19 in recent years which resulted in a build up of applications.
To date in 2023, 3,434 homes have been upgraded. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements where the wall is being insulated
• The average waiting time from application to completion in Q2 2023 was just under 19 months. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. The significant reductions in the average waiting time has been achieved in part through the following actions taken to reduce the timeline to completion and increase output under the scheme:
• SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• A significantly increased budget allocation;
• SEAI work to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management;
• Actions to address ongoing supply chain and inflationary pressures.
• My Officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate output of free energy upgrades delivered. An unprecedented budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 6,000 home upgrades. Additional funding of €264 million has also been secured for the scheme from the European Regional Development Fund and will supplement the annual allocations over the period from now until 2027. Importantly, a new contractor panel for the scheme was recently established. It is intended that the panel will be in place for 4 years, with an estimated contract budget of €700 million for that period, which is a very strong signal of commitment.
