Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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140. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that the timeline in the processing and approval of applications for grant aid for retrofitting of private homes is reduced substantially; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62762/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Latest data provided to my Department by the SEAI indicates that the total number of homes completed for all residential and community energy schemes (including Solar PV) to end of November is 22,880, a 69% increase on the same period last year.

Under the Warmer Homes Scheme, the average cycle time from application to completion is 27.5 months. In recent years, cycle times have been affected by COVID related issues. In addition, deeper measures have been provided under the Scheme since 2018 which involve more substantive works and therefore take longer to complete. This is evident from the average cost of works provided under the Scheme which has increased from less than €3,450 in 2017 to €18,750 this year.

Progress is being made to address wait times with the latest SEAI data showing that, since June, home completions are meeting the 400 homes per month target, an increase from 177 last year. I want to see even higher output and reduced waiting times and I have asked the SEAI to redouble its efforts on this key Scheme and am providing every support I can to that end. A budget of €148.5 million has been allocated for the Scheme next year with a target of achieving 6,000 fully funded upgrades.

The Better Energy Homes Scheme and Solar PV Scheme are demand-led schemes which require homeowners to procure their own contractor following grant approval from SEAI. This approval process is instantaneous once all requirements for the SEAI grant application portal are met by applicants. Works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval.

Under the National Home Energy Home Upgrade Scheme and Community Energy Grant Scheme, homeowners engage a registered One Stop Shop or Project Co-ordinator, respectively, to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under these schemes within 12 months.