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Energy Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Ceisteanna (204, 205)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

204. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons currently on the warmer homes Scheme waiting list; the average waiting time from application to having work completed; the average cost of a retrofit per home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23151/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

205. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reasons identified contributing to the delays in the warmer homes scheme retrofitting scheme; the actions being taken to reduce the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23152/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together. 204  and 205    together.The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,620.

Activity under the scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic, when construction activity was paused for approximately 12 months in total. Furthermore, access to properties during restricted periods, in line with Government guidelines, was often challenging. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in Quarter 1 2022, the average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 27 months. While this delay was largely driven by COVID related issues, the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018, also involve more substantive works.

There are currently just under 8,000 homes awaiting works on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor or are awaiting the initial survey of their home.  It is important to note that the SEAI received 2,388 applications for the scheme this year, to the end of April, compared with 2,874 for the whole of 2022.  The increased publicity around the launch of the new SEAI scheme and revisions to the Warmer Homes scheme, together with increased energy costs are driving demand.

Delivering free energy upgrades to low income households and reducing the waiting times on the Warmer Homes scheme waiting list is a top priority for my Department and SEAI. In order to reduce this timeline to completion and target a monthly average of 400 completions this year, the following actions have already been taken:

-        The budget, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;·

-        SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;·

-      SEAI is working to Increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.

Any necessary further measures identified as required by SEAI to increase output under this key Scheme will also be taken and progress is kept under ongoing review.  I understand the number of completions under the scheme in April 2022 rose to 376 which represents real progress.

Question No. 205 answered with Question No. 204.
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