Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
782. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost of deep retrofitting all local authority and social housing stock to the highest standard by unit; and the estimated cost of installing solar panels in the same housing stock. [41146/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy Efficiency programme for Local Authority Housing requires the retrofit of homes to achieve a B2/Cost Optimal BER rating as set out in the Climate Action Plan and Building Regulation Requirements for Major Renovations.
The level and cost of deep retrofit to be undertaken in local authority housing stock to achieve this standard depends on the initial condition and type of dwelling. My Department is working with local authorities on the transition to a planned maintenance approach to housing stock maintenance and the completion of stock condition surveys on all social homes in local authority ownership is a key element of this. The findings of stock condition surveys will inform future works programmes, including energy efficiency upgrades. The Programme for Government commits to retrofitting 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER by 2030, of which, approximately 36,500 are expected to be local authority owned homes.
The 2021 Energy Efficiency Programme (EERP) is a newly revised programme devised around the Programme for Government with an increased Budget of €65 million, to include the Midlands Retrofit Programme, and focuses on ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided. This requires local authorities to move to a 'deeper retrofit' programme, thus building on what has been completed in previous years. The revised programme provides for a significant increase in the level of funding available and focuses on ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided. The works to achieve a B2/Cost Optimal BER include wall and roof insulation, new windows and external doors, heat pumps and associated works.
Under the new EERP programme the estimated average cost per unit to achieve a B2/Cost Optimal rating is €30,000. The cost of individual homes will depend on their pre-works building standard and energy performance.
