Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

182. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will request from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland the number of anaerobic digestion systems currently operational by county that received a grant under the support scheme for renewable heat; the number of energy units produced per county from this source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26472/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department does not collect the data requested in relation to anaerobic digestion in Ireland.I understand the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has a regulatory role in relation to anaerobic digesters when the operator is using animal-by-products as a feedstock. my Department understands that there are currently 12 facilities approved to operate using this material as a feed stock.

SEAI recently published a report on Renewable Energy in Ireland. While this report does not provide a breakdown by county, it does include useful information in regard to renewable biogas, produced from anaerobic digestion, in both heat and electricity. That report is available at the following link: .

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

183. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the guidelines which led to a cessation of works relating to the warmth and wellbeing scheme carried out by the SEAI in homes will be clarified; his views on whether the completion of works that have commenced and are now stalled is a priority in view of the approach of winter; if new guidance will be issued that will allow works to recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26491/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme aims to objectively measure and validate the health and wellbeing impacts of improving the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions. The scheme is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Health and is jointly administered by the Health Service Executive and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Since 2016 over 1,200 homes have received free upgrades to their homes, including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed. According to SEAI, the average cost per home completed to date is €22,800. This investment has significantly improved the warmth and comfort of the homes. Initial reports have indicated that the upgrades are also delivering benefits to the health and wellbeing of participants, including reports of needing fewer GP and hospital visits. An independent analysis is being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in collaboration with the Health Service Executive.

Earlier this year, in line with public health and Government guidelines in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, all works under SEAI funded schemes were advised to pause for a period of time. The priority at all times was to minimise the risks for the homeowners and property occupants, contractors, their employees and the wider community. SEAI also advised contractors that any works that were incomplete should either be completed or postponed where possible and to ensure that the properties were left in a safe and habitable state before postponement.

It should be noted that this scheme is only available to households where a member of the household aged either 55 and over or 12 and under has a diagnosed chronic respiratory condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Further, the scheme is only available in specific Dublin areas.  SEAI has confirmed that works remain postponed on all of these homes as the occupants are extremely likely to be in the ‘very high risk’ group, as defined by the HSE. This is due to the intrusive nature of the works on the schemes, with multiple crew members in homes working in close proximity and often over long periods.

SEAI is mindful of the concerns that homeowners have with winter approaching and this is taken into account in its decision making as to how soon the scheme can restart. However, this must be balanced with the continuing risks of COVID-19 for applicants, contractors and the wider community. SEAI is considering a number of options that would allow work to recommence, and their associated risks. SEAI expects to complete this review by the end of this month.  The recently published 'Plan for Living with Covid-19' will be fully taken into account in these deliberations.