Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
93. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine an issue regarding energy usage (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43279/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030. This represents approximately 30% of the housing stock and is among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide.
As part of the implementation of the Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan, the Government recently announced a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions. Included in these measures was 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 heat pump. Full details on the range of supports available can be found at www.seai.ie.
It is recommended that gas boilers are serviced once a year to ensure that they run more efficiently. This can significantly lower household running costs when the system is in full use during the colder months. Servicing should only be carried out by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). There are no plans to introduce grant support for the repairing of gas boilers.
