Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the efficiency of the warmer homes scheme process considering that works have not been carried out on an application submitted over two years ago by a person (details supplied) due to the lack of contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12986/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).  Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.  In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,100.

There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are:

Awaiting the initial survey of their home;

Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor;

Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or,

Currently undergoing works. 

Activity under the Scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2021, the average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 26 months. While this delay was largely driven by COVID related issues, the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018, also involve more substantive works.

In order to reduce this timeline to completion, the following key actions are being taken:

The Budget , at €109 million is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;

The number of homes retrofitted under the scheme are due to increase from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month in 2022;

SEAI has allocated additional staff for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme;

SEAI is working to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management. 

Works under the Scheme recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector and activity did ramp up again towards the end of last year. Based on the foregoing, SEAI target clearing the homes currently on the waiting list in approximately 18 months.  I am advised by SEAI that the homeowner in this instance has been surveyed, had a pre-works Building Energy Rating completed on 8^thFebruary 2022 and is due to be allocated to a contractor this month.