Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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97. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the work being undertaken by his Department to achieve the target of 400 free retrofitting upgrades per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9282/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households at risk of energy poverty.  Since 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the SEAI administered scheme.  Last year, 2,126 upgrades were delivered under the scheme and the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was €17,100.

There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. It is important to note that activity under the Scheme in 2020 and 2021 was significantly impacted by COVID-related restrictions on the construction sector which led to a large increase in the number of homes awaiting works. Addressing wait times is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI.  

The 2022 budget for the Scheme, at €109 million, will support an increase in the number of homes retrofitted from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This greatly increased level of activity will enable the homes currently on the waiting list to be cleared in approximately 18 months.

In addition to the record capital allocation for the Scheme this year, I have also secured additional staffing resources for the SEAI including the Warmer Homes Scheme team.  Delivery capacity in the supply chain has also increased due to a new, broader contractor panel established in late 2020. The SEAI continues to work with the scheme contractors on an ongoing basis to further increase output. 

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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98. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current waiting times from application to completion in relation to each individual grant scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10465/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Grants of up to 50% are now available for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. A total of €267 million in capital funding has been provided this year for SEAI residential and community schemes.

Of the total budget, €118 million has been allocated to the energy poverty schemes which are directly provided by contractors procured by SEAI. SEAI data indicates that, for homes completed last year, the average cycle time from application to completion was 26 months for the Warmer Homes Scheme and 27 months for the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme. It is important to note that COVID-19 related restrictions in 2020 and 2021 negatively impacted wait times under these schemes. 

Addressing this issue is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI. This year’s budget allocation will support an increase in the number of homes retrofitted from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This level of activity will reduce waiting times and enable the homes currently on the Warmer Homes Scheme list to be cleared in approximately 18 months. 

Other SEAI schemes require homeowners to procure their own contractor or one-stop-shops secure approval from SEAI and draw down a grant once the works are completed. 

SEAI approval for Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Schemes is automatic and completion times are within the control of the homeowner.  However, works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval. Under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, homeowners will engage a registered One Stop Shop to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under this scheme within 12 months.