Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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33. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment about warmer homes scheme particularly in relation to the finding of the 2020 'Social Impact Assessment - SEAI Programmes Targeting Energy Poverty' that the level of data collected was not sufficient to provide an assessment of the schemes' impact on recipients (i.e. does the scheme bring them out of energy poverty); if that data is being collected; and the impact of retrofitting on warmer homes schemes recipients. [20021/23]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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42. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment regarding the warmer homes scheme particularly in relation to the finding of the 2020 'Social Impact Assessment - SEAI Programmes Targeting Energy Poverty' that the level of data collected was not sufficient to provide an assessment of the schemes' impact on recipients (i.e. does the scheme bring them out of energy poverty), if that data is being collected; and if he will outline the impact of retrofitting on warmer homes schemes recipients. [19835/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 42 together.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide upgrades to those living in, or at risk of, energy poverty.

The scheme is available to people in receipt of certain qualifying payments from the Department of Social Protection. Data on the qualifying payment for each applicant is collected under the scheme. In the case of means tested payments, this gives an indication of the income of the households.

Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme are driving demand for the scheme. This can be seen in application numbers with over 9,900 applications received in 2022 and 4,407 applications received in the first three months of 2023 alone. In 2022, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €22,000. A budget allocation of €148 million has been provided for this scheme this year, which will support an increased output of 6,000 upgrades.

Following a review of the Scheme a number of changes were announced in February 2022 including a decision to commence the collection of both pre and post works Building Energy Ratings (BER). The primary purpose of this is to improve targeting of the scheme to those most in need. The scheme now prioritises those homes rated E, F or G for retrofitting.

The impact of these upgrades for recipients can include:

• improved energy performance of the home resulting in a reduction in the amount of energy needed to heat, ventilate and light their home to an adequate level;
• reduction in the home’s overall energy demand and the relative amount that the household must spend on energy;
• a warmer and more comfortable home;
• health and wellbeing improvements that can be attained through retrofitting including lower rates of respiratory diseases and improved mental health and wellbeing;
• improved asset value of the home.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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34. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will extend eligibility for the warmer homes scheme to homeowners with traditional stone walls in their dwelling, given that many of the families/persons living in homes of this type are families/persons of limited financial means. [19658/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded.

With specific regard to pre-1940s stone-built dwellings, all eligible homes are assessed and where they comprise stone, SEAI will not insulate the stone walls. SEAI will however assess, and insulate where appropriate, any post-1940 extensions that may be present in the same home.

Stone-built (traditional built) structures were designed to be vapour permeable. Therefore, the materials and techniques used in energy efficiency upgrades of such buildings must be suitable for the buildings in question including for use with vapour permeable construction where applicable. Otherwise vapour becomes trapped leading to problems which can cause harm to the building and its occupants. These walls are not suitable for the currently NSAI approved products and standards for retrofitting which are used on more modern construction types.

To support the proper upgrade of traditional buildings a new technical Guidance Document - “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” is being developed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. My Department and the SEAI are participating in the steering group overseeing the project. The objective is to finalise the guidance having regard to submissions received in the public consultation with a view to publishing it this year. Once available this guidance will be an important resource to support contractors in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrade and renovation of older stone-build buildings while ensuring compliance with the appropriate building regulations.