Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2022
48. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the new retrofitting grants for homeowners will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11938/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the first of the proposed one-stop-shops will open to advise householders in relation to retrofitting and insulation; the locations of same; the persons or bodies that will operate them; the existing locations; if premises need to be leased or purchased to facilitate these information outlets for consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11939/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.
The recently launched National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from around 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump. It is expected that the One-Stop-Shops will be distributed across Ireland, with a considerable number offering services nationwide through their network of contractors throughout the country. Other One-Stop-Shops will likely work within geographic regions. This will ensure that every home can benefit from the One-Stop-Shop service on offer.As part of the new Scheme, a new system is being established by the SEAI which will streamline and automate the grant application process.
Following Government approval, the SEAI registration portal for companies to apply to be a One-Stop-Shop is now open. A number of One-Stop-Shops have already applied and it is expected that following the necessary process the first will be registered shortly. Homeowners will then be able to make applications for upgrades under the new Scheme.
