Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
208. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a grant available to replace windows and doors to ensure energy efficiency; if not, if such a grant is being considered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7213/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, which I launched yesterday, offers increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the current level of 30-35%).
The new scheme introduces a new way to undertake home energy upgrades with One-Stop-Shops providing an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying the home; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors to deliver the work; and quality assuring the work.
Homes, built and occupied pre-2011, and owned by private homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies are eligible for the scheme. This provides an unprecedented opportunity for people all over Ireland to upgrade to a warmer, healthier and more comfortable home, with lower energy bills.
Window and door replacements are available under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme as well as under the Community Energy Grant scheme as part of a whole house upgrade solution, because in these instances they tend to be required to achieve an energy efficient home to B2.
Window and door replacement are also available in some circumstances under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme which delivers free upgrades to eligible homeowners in low income households vulnerable to energy poverty.
Window and door replacements are not supported as individual measures and as such are not available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
Following yesterday’s launch of the National Home Energy Grant Scheme, I expect that the first One Stop Shops will be registered within 2 weeks. Homeowners can then make applications for upgrades.
