Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding funding streams which are available to support home owners on low incomes to retrofit their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42250/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Supporting home owners on low incomes to retrofit their homes is a priority for Government.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households who meet the defined eligibility criteria and who are vulnerable to energy poverty.

This scheme has evolved over time from a scheme which only provided basic insulation to now also offer much deeper retrofit.

The savings on the annual fuel bill of a home with a poor system will often be over €1000 per year.

In 2020 a total of of €52.8 million is being made available to retrofit the homes of people living in or at risk of energy poverty through the Warmer Homes Scheme.

This represents the biggest ever allocation for the Warmer Homes Scheme – more than double the initial allocation for 2019. €13 million of this funding is ring-fenced revenue arising from the increase in the Carbon Tax. Providing a warmer, more comfortable home that is cheaper to run will protect these homeowners in the long term.

In addition we shall be working with DHLG to deliver an aggregated area based model of retrofitting in the midlands. €20m will also be dedicated to the creation of a new energy efficiency scheme as committed to in the Climate Action Plan. It will focus on upgrading much larger batches of homes in distinct, compact geographical areas and allow private homeowners to opt-in.

Lower income households will also be supported through the pilot warmth and wellbeing programme and better energy communities.