Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
161. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the reason the warmer home scheme is taking up to 18 months to process applications; 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. [22438/20]
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 a budget 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. Prior to COVID-19 disruptions, the waiting time on the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of works, was between 18 and 24 months. However, in line with Government guidelines, the scheme was fully paused between March and June. Works have recommenced for homes that can be categorised as lower risk, subject to homeowner consent, though some restrictions continue to apply. COVID-19 has therefore negatively impacted waiting times. SEAI has further advised that average waiting times should only ever be used as a general guide; waiting times may vary, based on the demand for the scheme at the time of application. SEAI are continuing to work through applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
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. Recommendations in relation to the implementation of changes to the scheme will be finalised shortly.
There are currently 7,333 homes on the scheme waiting list. This includes homes that have been allocated to contractors for works, those awaiting allocation to a contractor and those 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 tables below. It should be noted that some older applications may be from non-standard situations, for example, an appeal about the works recommended or a request from the homeowner to pause the application for personal reasons.
|
Warmer Homes Applications |
Total |
|
2016 |
1 |
|
2017 |
2 |
|
2018 |
515 |
|
2019 |
4,834 |
|
2020 |
1,981 |
