Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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165. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of applications received under the "revisit" warmer homes scheme since its announcement; the number of homes completed in the country; the number of applications received in County Tipperary; the number of homes that have been completed under the scheme in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24161/23]

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 vulnerable to energy poverty. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide upgrades to those living in, or at risk of, energy poverty.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households, as quickly as possible, is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. An unprecedented budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 6,000 home upgrades.

Last year, as part of a number of changes to the Warmer Homes scheme, to improve the targeting of the support available, the scheme was re-opened to homeowners who previously received works under the scheme but could still benefit from the deeper measures now available. Re-visits are now allowed on homes that previously had minor upgrades done and where more work is recommended following an SEAI survey of the home.

* Note that applications for revisits only allowed since end February 2022 & there is an approximate 2 year waiting time for completion of works

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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166. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the low-cost loans for energy upgrades will be made available to the public; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24163/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is working with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund to develop a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme, which will be backed by a counter guarantee provided by the EIB Group.

The loan guarantee will provide risk protection to retail credit institutions participating in the scheme and will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates to private homeowners and non-corporate landlords making comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable to consumers. Further, it will signal to the banking sector, new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy as well as increasing the volume of retrofit activity within the State.

The development of this innovative scheme is a complex process involving several stakeholders. Intensive engagement to develop the scheme is ongoing and there has been extensive due diligence between the EIB Group and the Irish banking and credit union sector. Significant progress has been made to date, with two open calls for expressions of interest to participate in the scheme completed, and a number of banks and credit unions submitting formal expressions of interest.

The residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme will be the first consumer-focused guaranteed loan of its kind in Ireland. All stakeholders both at national and European level are committed to finalising the project and it is expected that the loan guarantee will be in place in Q3 2023.