Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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129. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the SEAI's plans to expand their parameters to include and support stone wall external insulation, traditional/older buildings, dropped ceilings, dormer-style roofs, double glazed windows in need of replacement, amongst other features, as a good number of applicants are left with little to no works carried on their homes due to features being deemed 'ineligible' for work, it causes additional issues for those who need their heating system replaced as it cannot be done unless a "home's surface area is to be insulated by 25% or over"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23361/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty.

There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded.

Appendix 1 of the scheme application guidelines (www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/SCHEME-GUIDELINES.pdf) provides further details on the conditions for the various recommendations for energy efficiency upgrade measures.

As set out in the guidelines, heating systems upgrades are only recommended under the scheme in cases where insulation works being carried out under the scheme trigger statutory ‘Major Renovations’ obligations. This means that when more than 25% of the area of the walls is being externally and/or internally insulated, the existing heating system must be appraised for replacement. This is legally required under the Building Regulations, Part L 2019.

In relation to Traditional Buildings specifically, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage's "Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings" publication describes how thermal efficiency of traditionally built buildings can be enhanced, whilst maintaining the conservation of architectural heritage. This guidance will be an important resource to SEAI as well as the retrofit and wider construction industry in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrading of older, traditionally-built buildings while ensuring compliance with the relevant building regulations.

In the meantime I have asked SEAI to examine how some support could be provided to households whose properties are currently unsuitable for the works provided under the scheme.