Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
130. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to increase the SEAI better homes grant in order to allow for more substantial energy upgrades of homes, the costs of which are beyond what is currently covered by the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2669/24]
View answerIn February 2022, Government launched a package of enhanced SEAI supports aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and emissions. The range of schemes available allows homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their needs. Free upgrades are also available to households at risk of energy poverty.
Demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes continued to be exceptionally high last year (2023) with indicative figures from SEAI showing:
• A total of 47,952 home energy upgrades supported. This represents a 76% increase on 2022 levels.
• Of this amount, 17,599 homes achieved a B2 Building Energy Rating. This represents an 107% increase on 2022 levels.
• In addition, 67,411 applications for grant support were received by SEAI in 2023 equating to a 34% increase on 2022 levels. This indicates a strong pipeline of works for 2024.
This year, a record capital budget of €437.2 million has been allocated to SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes. The budget includes funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) so that more households at risk of energy poverty can avail of fully funded energy upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme. The overall allocation will mean that the progress made last year under the National Retrofit Plan will be built on in 2024.
Furthermore, a recent agreement signed between the Government and EIB Group in relation to the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme paves the way for low-interest, home energy upgrade loans. This Scheme will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, making their homes warmer, cheaper to run and helping to lower emissions. Homeowners will be able to borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to 10 years. It is anticipated that the loans will be available in the first quarter of 2024 through participating retail lenders.
My Department and the SEAI will continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
