Written answers

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Energy Efficiency

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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346. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of homes that have been upgraded under the warmth and well-being scheme; the average cost per home; and the amount spent to date under the scheme. [18793/18]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Warmth and Well-being scheme is a joint pilot initiative between my Department and the Department of Health and is being delivered under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. The main aim of the scheme, which began in 2016, is to demonstrate the positive effects that making homes warmer and more energy efficient can have on the health and well-being of people in energy poverty who are living with chronic respiratory conditions. An independent analysis is being carried out to assess the health and well-being impact the scheme is having. At the conclusion of the scheme and with independent evidence on its effectiveness, the potential for a wider roll-out will be considered.In total to date, 534 homes have received upgrades under the scheme, with an average cost of €15,700 per home. The upgrades have meant a significant improvement in the condition of the home and, anecdotally, in the quality of life of the occupants.

I have allocated €20million in funding to this 3 year pilot. This should allow for the upgrade of the number of homes needed to develop the evidence base on the impact on the health outcomes of participants, and make the business case for a wider roll-out of the scheme.

The Deputy may also be aware that the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is available on a nationwide basis to low income households who are at risk of energy poverty. More information on this scheme is available on SEAI’s website at

or Freephone: 1800 250 204.

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