Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

226. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration will be given in 2021 to revisiting a home (details supplied) which has previously received works under the SEAI warmer homes scheme which is not currently eligible for a second visit under the SEAI one home one visit policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30347/21]

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

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. In order to qualify for support, applicants must own and live in their home which was built and occupied before 2006 and must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments.

To date, over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme. In 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800.

Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. However in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, I have been informed by the SEAI that the home in question received works in 2016 under the Warmer Homes Scheme and was not suitable for wall insulation at the time.

There are nearly 8,000 homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. These homes have not previously received any free upgrades under the scheme and for that reason are the priority to receive upgrades.  Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need are being developed and I anticipate that they will be finalised shortly.

It is important to note that I have secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme. Funding for the energy poverty retrofit schemes has also increased to over €109 million in 2021. This is an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation. In addition, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020.