Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
156. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports available to renters to assist them in improving the BER rating of their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44328/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan, the Government launched a package of significantly enhanced supports available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies to undertake home energy upgrades.
Examples of key measures include
- The establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering 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%).
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a hassle-free, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
I recognise that rental properties can present a specific challenge for energy efficiency improvements. This is an issue found in most countries where the incentives to invest in energy upgrades can be misaligned between landlords and tenants. Therefore, homes, built and occupied pre-2011, and owned by non-corporate landlords are eligible for these new measures, in addition to grants for individual measures available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme. This will mean that the national housing stock is upgraded, emissions will reduce and tenants get lower energy bills and a healthier, more comfortable place to live. It is also intended that non-corporate landlords will be able to avail of the planned low-cost loan scheme for retrofit when it is launched. Furthermore, the Housing for All Strategy which is being led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage includes a commitment to introduce minimum energy standards for rental properties from 2025.
