Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

472. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Kildare County Council is concerned at the large overspend on retrofitting under the Midlands Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme, which must be met from its own resources; if his Department will make up the shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63199/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A budget of €65 million was allocated to local authorities in 2021, with €20 million allocated under the Midlands Retrofit Pilot as part of the 'Just Transition' programme, and the balance of €45 million under the 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for the retrofit of homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard under these Programmes.

The Programme requires local authorities to move to a deeper level of retrofitting, eligible works under the programme include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation, windows and external doors, heat pumps and ancillary works.

The Programme has experienced significant delays due to the effects of COVID-19 and other obstacles including tendering and supply chain issues particularly concerning Heat Pumps, Windows & Doors, and Insulation. My Department is aware this has led to an increase in prices for certain local authorities in retrofitting properties.

Officials from my Department have had ongoing engagement with Kildare County Council and recently met to further discuss the implementation of their Programme. It was confirmed that my Department would support costs being experienced by Kildare County Council where the works relate exclusively to energy efficiency works up to a B2/Cost Optimal BER level and that there has been overall compliance with the programme and that the appropriate supporting documentation is available on all funding claims being made.

The Council was reminded that the spread of properties under the programme were to include a mix of house types requiring various levels of work in order to ensure the average cost per unit falls within the limits set by my Department. This approach gives local authorities the flexibility to recoup costs of up to €45,400 on some individual homes, as long as the overall claim cost per home does not exceed an average of €27,000.

Learning from the 2021 programme will inform the 2022 programme.