Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1776. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the warmth and wellbeing scheme in the northside of Dublin; if a person (details supplied) can be included under the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27753/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmth and Wellbeing scheme is a pilot initiative being delivered under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. The main aim of the scheme is to demonstrate the positive effects that making homes warmer and more energy efficient can have on the health and wellbeing of people in energy poverty who are living with a chronic respiratory condition. An independent research project will assess the impact the scheme is having. At the conclusion of the scheme and with independent evidence on its effectiveness, the potential for a wider rollout will be considered. As it is a pilot scheme, the main aim of which is carrying out research to form an evidence base, eligibility is limited. The operational area for the scheme was selected as Community Health Area (CHO) 7, following consultation with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This CHO encompasses Kildare/West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West. Within CHO 7 the need to build capacity in the local public health and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) teams, and establish communications on the pilot with the local community, meant that further narrowing of the area was necessary and Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 were selected as the current operational areas.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is available on a nationwide basis to low income households who are at risk of energy poverty. The family that the Deputy mentions may be eligible for that scheme. More information on this scheme is available on SEAI’s website at: http://www.seai.ie/Grants/Warmer_Homes_Scheme/About_the_BEWH.html or freephone: 1800 250 204.
