Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is aware of the protracted waiting times that people are experiencing with the fully funded energy upgrades scheme (details supplied); if he is considering any measures to address this issue; the number of applications at each stage; the typical process time for each stage; the main bottlenecks for speeding up each stage; his views on what the main drivers are to speed up the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44017/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households in or at risk of energy poverty is a top priority for the Government.

In recent years, the Warmer Homes Scheme has delivered a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have seen an almost tenfold increase from €2,600 in 2015 to €26,464 in 2024. However, it is important to acknowledge that deeper retrofits take longer to complete.

The improvement in the upgrades provided under the scheme in tandem with increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit are driving significantly increased levels of demand. Approximately 24,000 applications from homeowners were received in 2022 and 2023 combined.

The number of applications for 2024, as of end September is 10,511.

Applications to the Scheme are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works.

There are currently 20,267 homes on the scheme work programme. This includes homes that are:

• Awaiting the initial survey of their homes:
• Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor;
• Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or,
• Currently undergoing works.

This has been achieved in part through the following actions taken to reduce the timeline to completion and increase output under the scheme:

• SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• SEAI work to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management;
• Actions to address ongoing supply chain and inflationary pressures;
• A record budget allocation of €208.8m;
• ERDF funding of €264 million over the period 2021 until 2027 to supplement Exchequer funding for the scheme; and
• A new €700 million contractor panel has been put in place for the next 4 years, which has increased contractor capacity to 36.

My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme. For further information, the SEAI commenced the publication of quarterly reports on scheme performance in 2023. The most recent reports are available at:

www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf

www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/2024-09/SEAI-Retrofit-Mid-Year-Report-2024.pdf