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Energy Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021

Tuesday, 19 October 2021

Ceisteanna (296, 297)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

296. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that have been retrofitted to date in 2021; the number estimated to be retrofitted by the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51291/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

297. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that will be retrofitted in 2022; the number of these that will be fully funded by the State; the cost of same; the number that will be partially funded by the State; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51292/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.

Improving the energy efficiency of our homes and reducing their carbon emissions is a critical climate priority and a major focus of the funding provided in the National Development Plan review.  €5 billion in carbon tax receipts will be invested by my Department to support the achievement of our national targets which are to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by 2030 with €1.3 billion of this to be provided for the period 2022-2025.

A new National Retrofit Plan to be published shortly will detail the Government’s approach to meeting these targets and will address barriers to retrofit across four key areas: driving demand and activity; financing and affordability; supply chain, skills and standards; and structures and governance.

Extensive COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity in the residential sector between January and April have had a significant impact on activity this year. Over 9,800 retrofits have been delivered to date in 2021 and the SEAI estimate that will rise to over 16,000 homes retrofitted by the end of the year.

Budget 2022 commits €202 million in carbon tax revenue to fund the SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and a further €10 million from the Exchequer for the Solar PV scheme. This investment will support over 22,000 home energy upgrades, including over 6,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 and over 4,500 upgrades under the SEAI energy poverty schemes.  It will deliver warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes with lower energy bills. It will also reduce emissions from the residential sector and improve air quality. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will invest a further €85 million as part of the Local Authority Retrofit Programme in 2022. This will deliver approximately 2,400 B2 retrofits of Local Authority homes next year.

Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 296.

Question No. 298 answered with Question No. 281.
Question No. 299 answered with Question No. 268.
Question No. 300 answered with Question No. 294.
Question No. 301 answered with Question No. 293.
Question No. 302 answered with Question No. 293.
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