Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to outline the exact procedure that defective concrete block affected homeowners need to follow in order to avail of SEAI home energy upgrade grants whilst rebuilding their homes; to outline the procedure for those who have already commenced rebuilding works so that they can receive their grants without delay, and the procedure for those who have not commenced rebuilding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51985/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Homeowners that are eligible for works under the Defective Concrete Blocks scheme are not prohibited from applying for energy upgrade grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Homeowners’ whose applications are in line with the existing SEAI Scheme criteria and guidelines can access SEAI grants in line with the usual application processes that apply. Further information in that regard is available at Energy Efficient Homes - Home Energy Upgrades And Grants | SEAI

My Department and SEAI are aware however of the particular issues arising for homeowners that do not currently comply with the SEAI scheme terms and conditions. Examples of such situations include homeowners that previously received SEAI grant support to upgrade a home which needs to be demolished due to defective concrete block and now wish to avail of further SEAI grant supports for their new home or homes that are already demolished.

The Department has been working with SEAI to develop an approach to address these matters for some time. SEAI submitted its most recent proposals to the Department in late October regarding how such applications can be managed as seamlessly as possible. The Department is actively engaging with SEAI in relation to the proposals and a resolution is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, SEAI continues to engage directly with impacted homeowners on a case by case basis to discuss their particular circumstances. A specific page on the SEAI website provides further information for DCB affected homeowners (Defective Concrete Blocks Affected Homeowners | Individual Energy Upgrades | SEAI). Homeowners can also contact the SEAI at a dedicated DCB phone number 01-8082004 or by email at dcb@seai.ie.