Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
92. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expand or alter the 'one stop shop' list of suppliers, to allow homeowners access to more competitive prices when upgrading windows and doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14036/24]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manage a number of residential and community energy upgrade grant support schemes on behalf of my Department, including the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS). Under the Scheme, a network of registered One-Stop-Shops (OSSs) provide an end-to-end service for homeowners, which includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.
There are currently 20 OSSs registered with SEAI. Of these, 2 of the One-Stop-Shops were registered earlier this year, which points to growing confidence in the sector about the future growth prospects of the retrofit market. The SEAI is actively working with other applicant organisations to support them through the registration process. The SEAI will also continue to actively engage with the construction sector, with the aim of getting more companies registered as One-Stop-Shops.
The NHEUS is focused on deep retrofits, which are technically complex. For this reason, SEAI has set an appropriately high bar for companies to register as an OSS, to ensure the quality of the retrofit. It is open to companies operating in general construction/renovation to register as an OSS by applying to the SEAI.
As more OSSs are registered this is creating greater competition in the marketplace as well as affording homeowners greater choice. It is always recommended that a homeowner speaks to several OSSs before making their decision, so that they can choose the company that best suits their budget, timeframe and other considerations, including the need for additional building works.
Information on registration as a One-Stop-Shop can be found on the SEAI website at: https://www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/
