Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. The national retrofit plan set targets to carry out 185,000 energy upgrades and install 45,000 heat pumps in existing homes by 2025 and the equivalent of 500,000 B2 upgrades and 400,000 heat pumps by 2030. Between 2019 and the first quarter of 2024, almost 150,000 energy upgrades were supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI. Expenditure increased from €104 million in 2019 to a record €324.5 million last year and the budget is €430 million this year. Demand across the SEAI schemes is growing and so is spend and output.

Heat pumps are one of the most challenging technologies to implement at scale in the existing residential sector, though new builds are predominantly using them. Research indicates that upfront costs and ancillary works can be seen as obstacles. We are addressing these issues under the national retrofit plan and heat pump delivery is growing, with 16,600 installed in existing homes with support from SEAI schemes or under the local authority scheme, including a fourfold increase between 2019 and 2023.

Heat pumps are extremely efficient and very economical to run with no requirement for additional heating sources, meaning there are no additional bills for oil, gas or solid fuel. While electricity prices remain above pre-pandemic levels, consumers have experienced reductions in electricity prices in recent times. This reduction is welcome but I am aware that some homeowners, both with and without heat pumps, have faced challenges with their bills. It is important to note that throughout the period of high energy prices, Government has continued to support energy consumers to stay warm and well. This includes a €2.2 billion suite of cost-of-living supports to assist families, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities as part of budget 2024.

My Department is currently developing a revised energy poverty action plan and I would encourage all stakeholders to make a submission to the consultation process.

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