Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In 2021 a new holistic approach was applied to the Energy Efficient Retrofit Programme (EERP), designed around the Programme for Government's commitment led by the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications that calls for the 'retrofit' of 500,000 homes to a B2 (BER)/Cost Optimal Equivalent standard by 2030, of which, approximately 36,500 are expected to be local authority owned homes, with grant funding provided by my Department for those local authority housing retrofits.

This new programme sets a BER performance requirement of “B2” or cost optimal level. The upscaling of the works included in the programme sees a substantial overall increase in funding being made available for attic and wall insulation, windows and doors where required and heating upgrades, specifically the installation of a heat pump and associated works.

In 2023, my Department announced that funding of €87 million is available for the retrofit of approximately 2,400 social homes. Cork County Council received an allocation of €6,249,625 including project management fees to retrofit 173 homes. The detailed administration of the programme is a matter for each individual local authority including the selection of homes and programme of works to comply with the technical specifications of the scheme. One property was retrofitted in Convent Way in 2022, however, no further submissions have been received by my Department in respect of the estate this year.