Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
23. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider expanding the SEAI individual upgrade scheme as part of Budget 2024 to include windows and external doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43473/23]
View answerMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
Grant support for window and door upgrades is not offered as an individual energy upgrade but may be available as part of a suite of upgrades under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme. When a homeowner is completing a whole home energy upgrade under these Schemes, the overall fabric of the property is assessed through the home energy survey and assessment. The assessment may recommend particular measures, including windows and doors, to ensure that home achieves a B2 rating or is suitable for installation of a heat pump.
In the Warmer Homes Scheme, poorest performing homes are upgraded and in certain circumstances windows may be recommended following a survey and provided where suitable. Eligibility for the Warmer Homes Scheme requires applicants to be in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments.
My officials engage with their counterparts in the SEAI on an ongoing basis in relation to the operation of the schemes and as part of this will continue to ensure that grant rates and measures available under the various grant schemes are kept under review taking account of evolving science, innovation, technology and other relevant factors.
