James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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570. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of applicants by county awaiting the installation of SEAI warmer homes scheme works; the national average waiting time in tabular form; the average waiting time for applicants in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53134/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty, who meet the defined eligibility criteria.The average investment by Government through the SEAI is €13,000 per house.

This year €39.8 million was allocated to the Scheme and to date, over 3,000 homes have been upgraded. Budget 2020 announced a budget allocation for the scheme of €52.8 million. This represents the biggest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme.

Notwithstanding this increased budget for the scheme, the current very high level of demand does directly impact waiting times, with the duration between applying for the scheme and having works carried out currently averaging at 18 months. There is no variation in this waiting time across counties as the scheme is demand-led and applications are processed on a first come first served basis. The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need, including how to reduce waiting times. This review is due to be completed shortly.

The following table presents the number of homes, by county, awaiting allocation to a contractor, from brand new applications just received up to homes that have been surveyed and will be allocated shortly.