Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
125. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the waiting times for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant applications can be processed more speedily as there has been a huge take-up on recent applicants but, prior to this, a person (details supplied) was advised they would have to wait 12 months for a consultation. [43897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current average waiting time for the home surveys that are required to access Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland free energy upgrades. [43962/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 130 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. 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. Latest data provided to my Department by the SEAI indicates that, for homes completed in 2022, the longest time waiting for a survey was 10 months, and the average cycle time from application to completion was 27 months. However, it is important to note that cycle times have been affected by COVID related issues. In addition, there are deeper measures being provided under the Scheme since 2018, which involve more substantive works. As Minister I have no function with regard to individual applications to the grant schemes administered by SEAI on behalf of my Department. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
