Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
801. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the warmer homes scheme is taking up to 18 months to have applications processed; the waiting time for the scheme; the number waiting on the scheme; the length of time they have been waiting in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8326/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). To date, over 140,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. In 2019, €39.8 million was allocated to the Scheme with over 3,000 homes upgraded. Budget 2020 announced an allocation for the scheme of €52.8 million. This represents the biggest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Although the budget for the scheme has been significantly increased in recent times, the current very high level of demand does directly impact waiting times with the duration between applying for the scheme and having works carried out currently averaging at 18 months. This is partly due to changes to the scheme introduced in June 2018 which expanded and enhanced the range of energy efficiency measures available as well as an extension of the eligibility rules. Also, it should be noted that due to COVID-19 all SEAI grant-aided home upgrade works have been paused but will recommence in line with national guidance.
The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need, including how to reduce waiting times. The review has been carried out and recommendations for changes to the scheme will be made shortly.
There are currently 6,156 homes on the scheme waiting list. Some are awaiting allocation to a contractor while others are awaiting the initial survey of their home. The information requested in relation to the length of time on waiting lists is set out in the following table. It should be noted that some older applications may relate to non-standard situations, for example, an appeal about the works recommended or a request from the homeowner to pause the application for personal reasons.
2018 Warmer Homes Applications
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
63 |
153 |
223 |
2019 Warmer Homes Applications
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
|
97 |
288 |
199 |
593 |
846 |
450 |
538 |
340 |
305 |
300 |
450 |
251 |
4,657 |
2020 Warmer Homes Applications
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
|
379 |
467 |
269 |
112 |
49 |
1,276 |
Scheme Total = 6,156
