Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the reason a person (details supplied) did not qualify for a home heating upgrade as part of the SEAI's warmer homer scheme despite being an eligible applicant and having a suitable household; if there is sufficient scope to appeal the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21406/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €25,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record budget allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to optimise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this critical scheme. Importantly however, individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as Minister I have no function in relation to such applications.
Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
