Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current waiting time for a survey to be done on a property regarding the warmer homes scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/22]

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 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 was €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, when construction activity was paused for approximately 12 months in total, in line with Government guidelines. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2021, the average time for a surveyor to be allocated was approximately 18 months. The average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 26 months, taking into account the increase in waiting times due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018.

The following key actions have already been taken:

- The budget for this year, 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 to increase from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month in 2022;

- SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;- Increasing contractor output through contract management.

Works under the scheme have now 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. This will be done by targeting those homes that are longest on the waiting list first, and then prioritising the worst performing properties, i.e. homes that were built before January 1993 and have a Building Energy Rating of E, F or G.