Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
135. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he agrees that all homes which have received a G BER rating should be entitled to improvements under the warmer homes scheme; if he will instruct his Department to update the terms of the scheme to ensure this is the case given in the (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2158/24]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in lower income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, type and condition of the property.
Preliminary data from SEAI shows that last year, a total of approximately 5,900 homes were upgraded under the scheme with an average spend per home of €24,000.
As home types vary for each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. The survey and works recommended are informed by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings.
With specific regard to pre-1940s stone-built dwellings, all eligible homes are assessed and where they comprise stone, SEAI will not insulate the stone walls. These walls are not suitable for the NSAI approved products and standards for retrofitting which are used on more modern construction types. If these walls are insulated using materials or techniques suitable for modern construction, vapour can become trapped leading to problems which can cause harm to the building and its occupants.
However, SEAI will assess applicant homes which are stone built for other measures apart from wall insulation which may be possible. If a home is suitable for attic insulation this can be provided. SEAI will also assess, and insulate where appropriate, any post-1940 extensions that may be present in the same home.
There can be instances however where the application will be cancelled following this assessment as it may not be possible for any appropriate works to be recommended. These reasons might be that no further works are possible e.g. attic and wall insulation is already there, or that the house is not technically possible to insulate.
To support the appropriate upgrade of traditional buildings and stone built homes, a new Guidance Document - “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” has recently been published by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. This guidance will be an important resource to SEAI as well as the retrofit and wider construction industry in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrading of older, traditionally built buildings while ensuring compliance with the appropriate building regulations. My officials have asked SEAI to consider the implications of the new Guidance for the operation of the residential and community energy upgrade schemes.
There are also other Government grants and schemes available that could be of assistance where there is an urgent need for home repairs. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
