Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2036. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding indoor air quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32877/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2040. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the success or otherwise of the warmth and wellbeing pilot programme that commenced in 2016 and which was piloted in parts of Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24; the number of persons that have benefitted from the programme in each area to date; his plans for expansion of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32912/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2036 and 2040 together.
The Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme is a joint policy initiative between my Department and the Department of Health. It is delivered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the HSE under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. The aim of the scheme, which began in 2016, is to demonstrate the positive effects that making homes warmer and more energy efficient can have on the health and wellbeing of people who are living with a chronic respiratory condition, including children with asthma.
The Scheme is targeting people aged 55 years of age and over and also children under 12. To qualify for the scheme you must be referred to the programme by the HSE. Full details of the criteria that must be met to receive the necessary energy upgrades can be found on https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-grants/warmth-and-wellbeing/
In total, 624 homes have been upgraded to date under the scheme with an average cost of €15,700 per home. The upgrades have meant a significant improvement in the condition of the home and, anecdotally, in the quality of life of the occupants. Applications are continuing to be received and so far almost €11.5m has been spent on the pilot scheme.
I have allocated €20 million in funding to this 3 year pilot. An independent research project is underway to assess the impact of the scheme on participants from a health perspective. The evidence base this provides will inform the consideration of a wider roll out of the scheme.
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. I recently announced that the measures available under this scheme were to be expanded to include dry lining and external wall insulation. Subject to an SEAI survey, replacement windows may be offered in limited circumstances, most likely where external wall insulation is being carried out and the existing windows are very poor performing and need to be replaced to ensure the insulation performs effectively.
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.
