Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1180. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if detailed information on the deep retrofit grant scheme will be provided; the way in which households qualify for this scheme; the level of grant funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15802/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deep Retrofit Pilot scheme is funded by my Department and administered by SEAI. It commenced operation in 2017 with initial funding of €5 million, and is set to operate up to 2019. The scheme aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities that are in place for the deep retrofit of Ireland’s housing stock. Learnings from the pilot scheme will inform how we can support large scale deep retrofit going forward.
Grant funding will be provided for deep retrofit projects that include groups of 5 or more households. Applications are currently accepted from organisations such as local authorities, energy agencies and other community groups. The scheme will cover up to 50% of total capital and project management costs for retrofit projects which meet SEAI’s project evaluation criteria. Funding of up to 95% of total capital and project management costs will be provided for projects involving voluntary housing association homes and homes that are in energy poverty. Successful projects must deliver a minimum Building Energy Rating of A3 and must incorporate renewable heating solutions. Detailed information on grant support, evaluation criteria and the application process is publicly available on SEAI’s website: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-grants/deep-retrofit-programme/
The pilot is designed to inform a model by which we can deliver high quality retrofit to individual households across Ireland. SEAI are not currently accepting applications from individual homeowners. Homeowners who are interested in applying should contact their local authority, energy agency or community group to enquire as to whether they can apply through them.
The SEAI operates a number of other scheme for homeowners. Details are provided below and further information is available on SEAI's website, https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-grants/.
The Better Energy Homes (BEH) scheme provides grant aid to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their home. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER).
The Better Energy Warmer Homes (BEWH) scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The measures available typically include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs, cavity wall insulation and roof and wall ventilation. I recently announced the expansion of the scheme to include internal and external wall insulation in order to increase the number of people that can receive upgrades.
The Warmth and Wellbeing Pilot Scheme commenced in 2016. It is funded by my Department as a joint policy initiative with the Department of Health, and is operated by SEAI and the HSE. The aim of the pilot is to provide deep energy efficiency interventions to people living with chronic respiratory conditions who are in or at risk of energy poverty. By making their homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to run, it is hoped that this will improve their health and wellbeing. The pilot scheme is currently operating in Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24.
