Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
133. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether the home energy upgrade grant can be paid for insulation on an extension, and not the whole house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46331/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
Section 2.2 of the SEAI Better Energy Homes Scheme Application Guide provides advice for “Optimum and Partial Solutions” as follows:
The contractor must ensure that, in the case of insulation, an optimal whole-element solution is provided e.g. when dealing with walls that this comprises Internal insulation of all exposed walls or External insulation of all exposed walls or Cavity Insulation of all exposed walls, and in the case of roof/attics that this comprises insulation of the whole surface of the ceiling/roof-space as appropriate. Where only part-element coverage is achieved, this must be detailed in the Declaration of Works and the Contractor should inform their client that this may impact on their ability to draw down support from the Programme. Affordability may be a consideration in the identification of the most appropriate measure for the homeowner, for example the selection of blow cavity vs. external cladding.
Partial solutions are only acceptable in exceptional cases where it is not "physically or economically possible" to provide a whole-element solution. For example, it may not be physically possible to provide complete roof insulation coverage due to small inaccessible areas of the roof. Justification for these exceptional partial solutions must be given in the Declaration of Works.
It is important to emphasise the difference between affordability and economic viability. Where homeowners indicate that they cannot afford to do the whole element, this does not diminish the economic viability of the project and so this is not an acceptable reason to do a partial solution.”
The full document can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/publications/Homeowner-Application-Guide.pdf
SEAI is available to provide homeowners with advice in relation to individual applications through their helpdesk directly by phone at: 1800 250 204, or by email at: info@betterenergyhomes.ie.
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.
