Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
80. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason his Department continues to primarily fund shallow retrofits for homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49104/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a target to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. How this is to be achieved is set out in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, the latest version of which was published earlier this year and is available on my Department's website. The achievement of this target requires a combination of shallow and deep retrofits, maximising the varying levels of capacity among householders to engage in energy efficiency.
For example, simple, relatively inexpensive grant aided measures, such as attic and cavity wall insulation, can deliver a significant amount of energy savings at low cost, thus delivering value for money for the taxpayer, a short payback for the householders who make the investment and increased awareness of energy efficiency among citizens. Focusing on these low cost, high impact measures first is important. Research by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) clearly demonstrates that people who have a positive experience in undertaking a small energy efficiency upgrade are more likely to engage in further energy efficiency measures in the future.
However, shallow interventions must be complemented by deeper interventions as these will be necessary to deliver the energy savings that are required to meet the Government's long term climate ambitions to reduce carbon emissions in the Built Environment. This is why I have established two new energy efficiency schemes to deliver deep retrofits. This year SEAI initiated the Deep Retrofit Pilot, which offers 50% grant funding for householders to bring the energy efficiency of their home up to an A3 on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale. That funding increases to 95% for the homes of those who are living in energy poverty. Commenced in 2016 and delivered by SEAI and the HSE, the Warmth and Wellbeing scheme makes deeper energy efficiency upgrades available free of charge, to people in, or at risk of, energy poverty who are also suffering from a chronic respiratory condition. The research component of this scheme will evaluate the impact improved energy efficiency can have on a person's health and wellbeing. Over the last 2 years deeper measures have also been progressively rolled out in the Better Energy Communities and Warmer Homes schemes.
The aim of all of this innovative activity is to build demand for deeper measures and market capacity to deliver them. These initiatives will gather the evidence necessary to determine how best Government can motivate people to engage in deep retrofits on a much wider basis, build the necessary skills and the supply chain in the construction industry, and provide tangible demonstrations throughout the country on the most suitable deep retrofit options for various types of home. In this context the newly established SEAI Behavioural Economics Unit has a critical role to play.
