Energy Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2021

Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Ceisteanna (65)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

65. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to address the fact that there are no approved insulation products under the warmer homes scheme to retrofit brick and stone-built houses; if the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland can identify suitable insulation products that can be included in the scheme so that qualifying residents of brick and stone-built houses can benefit from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46886/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to lower income households vulnerable to energy poverty.  A range of home energy improvements can be funded under this scheme. The upgrades that are recommended for any given property depend on many factors including the age, size, type and condition of the property.

In line with the Scheme guidelines and technical guidance, the Warmer Homes Scheme does not support insulation works on homes older than 1940, traditional or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single-leaf brick walls.  There are currently no plans to change this criteria.  However, the matter will be kept under review in the context of the development of new guidance for the retrofitting traditional buildings which are being prepared by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.