Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
72. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of inequality within the warmer homes scheme; if he agrees that the people who qualify for the ‘free’ scheme are treated differently/less favourably to people who qualify for the one-stop shop funding (details supplied); and the reason there are more options and more funding available for those with more disposable income. [46482/24]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households in, or at risk of, energy poverty is a top priority for the Government. In 2024, over 7,700 fully funded upgrades were provided at an average cost of almost €27,500.
Under the scheme, the upgrades recommended for a given property depend on many factors, including age, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, an SEAI technical surveyor determines 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; and
• in certain circumstances, renewable heating systems, window replacements.
The scheme guidelines can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/SCHEME-GUIDELINES.pdf. These scheme guidelines are informed by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 - Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings.
The upgrades available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the programme. Under the scheme, attic insulation works are carried out by insulating at ceiling level. The programme does not insulate at rafter level apart from sloped ceilings which are recommended for upgrades on a case-by- case basis. The provision of insulation at rafter level can differ significantly between homes, requiring bespoke solutions outside the scope of the programme. The Deputy may wish to note that a 5 square metre storage floor is provided where the homeowner wants to store items in the attic, along with guidance on how to protect items stored in the attic.
