I propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 161 and 162 together. 160 , 161 and 162 together,
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Since 2000, over 450,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light.
€221.5 million in capital funding has been provided this year for SEAI residential and community retrofit programmes. This represents an 82% increase on the 2020 allocation and is the largest amount ever for the schemes. This allocation has facilitated the expansion and improvement of existing SEAI grant schemes and the introduction of new initiatives.
In addition to the schemes funded by my Department and operated by the SEAI, it should be noted that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provides the vast majority of support for the retrofitting of local authority homes. In 2021, they provided funding of €65 million for energy upgrades of Local Authority homes.
My officials have asked the SEAI to forward the specific data requested directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.