Written answers

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Better Energy Homes Scheme

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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417. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to include the replacement of windows under SEAI grants; if the replacement of windows to improve BER rating and reduce carbon footprints is in his Department's future plans; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53009/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Better Energy programme is funded by my Department and operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The measures currently offered under the Better Energy Homes (BEH) and Warmer Homes Schemes (WHS) were selected as the best balance that could be achieved between the limited resources available to the schemes, the number of homes that can receive support and the energy savings that can be delivered. In short, the measures supported under the BEH and WHS are those that can deliver the most energy savings at the lowest cost to the highest number of people. While upgrading windows and doors does improve the energy efficiency of a home, the cost of these measures is high in relation to the energy efficiency gains made.

In the case of deep renovation of homes, window upgrades are eligible for funding under the Deep retrofit programme, which funds 50% of the cost of getting a home to a Building Energy Rating of A3 or higher. The same level of funding is available for window and door upgrades under the Better Energy Communities scheme, when carried out as part of deep retrofit.

Earlier this year I also announced that homes with particularly low thermal efficiency, that qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme, will also now be eligible for a deeper retrofit package in addition to the currently funded measures; this could include windows and doors if deemed necessary at point of survey. Additionally, under the Warmth & Wellbeing pilot scheme, which is led by my Department in collaboration with the Department of Health, energy efficient windows and doors are installed wherever a surveyor deems them necessary.

The Deputy may also note that the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government funds the Housing Aid for Older People scheme. This scheme is administered by Local Authorities and provides grants to older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Eligible works include repairs to (or replacement of) windows and doors.

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