Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
193. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if grants are available for a new roof and energy efficient works for persons refurbishing an old house in a rural area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35030/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SEAI operates a number of energy efficiency upgrade schemes on behalf of my Department. These schemes include partial grants for individuals that can afford to contribute to the cost of energy efficiency upgrades as well as schemes that provide free energy efficiency improvements for people who are in receipt of certain welfare payments. Information on the grant levels available by scheme is available from the SEAI on 1850 250 204 or their website at https://www.seai.ie/grants/ Grants are available for a range of measures including:
- Attic insulation
- Wall insulation (cavity wall, drylining or external insulation)
- Heat pump installation
- Heating controls
- Solar thermal panels for hot water
- Solar PV panels for electricity generation
- Window and door replacement
SEAI grant schemes will be a central element of the Government’s approach to achieving our national retrofit targets. Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for residential and community retrofit programmes next year to be funded by my Department through the SEAI. This represents an additional €100 million, or 82% increase, on the 2020 allocation and is the largest amount ever in the budget for the schemes. A further €65 million has been provided for retrofitting the social housing stock through the Vote of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Replacement of a roof is not an energy efficiency measure and is not funded by the schemes administered by the SEAI. Local Authorities administer a number of home improvement schemes that can help private homeowners in certain circumstances, including upgrades to heritage properties. More information is available form the relevant Local Authority.
