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Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021

Thursday, 15 July 2021

Ceisteanna (144)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

144. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has lifted the restriction which applies to persons getting a second round of support under the warmer homes scheme in cases in which the previous support had only been for shallow measures such as roof insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38797/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. In order to qualify for support, applicants must own and live in their home which was built and occupied before 2006 and must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments.

To date, over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. There are currently over 7,800 homes on the Warmer Homes work programme and the scheme operates nationally on a first come, first serve basis. These homes have not previously received any free upgrades under the scheme and for that reason are the priority to receive upgrades. Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will be finalised shortly.

The total budget for energy poverty schemes in 2021 is €109 million with €100 million allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a €47 million increase for the scheme when compared to 2020. In addition to the increased budget allocation, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.

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