Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

159. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 896 of 13 January 2016, regarding the warmer homes scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, which exceptional circumstances qualify a person's home for internal dry-lining or external cladding of the walls and how a person can apply for this; his concerns regarding cavity insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2538/16]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The priority of the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is to use the limited funds available to the scheme to deliver the largest reductions in energy poverty to the maximum number of homes. To this end, the works that are typically undertaken represent the best balance that can be achieved between cost and energy savings. Given the costs associated with providing internal dry-lining or external insulation the resources available to the programme preclude their adoption on a widespread basis. Nevertheless, I have been advised by SEAI that hollow block wall construction, which is not suitable for cavity insulation, is more prevalent in the Dublin region A very small proportion of the funds available to the programme each year is used to test and pilot deeper interventions. These cannot be applied for but rather are chosen by SEAI from the pool of existing applicants based on a needs based assessment of the home. SEAI’s surveyors have strict guidelines to follow and the clients identified are those who are at the extreme end of fuel poverty and deprivation.

I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that other options are available to households in energy poverty who wish to receive support towards deeper measures, which may include internal dry-lining or external wall insulation, such as the Better Energy Communities Scheme. This scheme supports projects that include a wide variety of energy efficiency interventions. The works that are selected are at the discretion of the community groups but grant support of up to 80% of the total cost of the measures identified is provided for those in energy poverty.