Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

16. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current waiting list for the warmer homes scheme in County Offaly; how this compares to waiting lists in other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17285/25]

Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

18. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of surveyors currently working in County Offaly for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; if there are plans to recruit additional surveyors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17286/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 18 together.

The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people in energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the SEAI on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.

Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. This resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households, a 31% increase on 2023. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents an 11-fold increase on the 2020 expenditure figure.

The scheme has been delivering a greater number of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades, which has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to over €27,700 in 2024. While these deeper retrofits take longer to complete, significant reductions in the average waiting time have still been achieved. The average waiting time reduced from 26 months in 2022 to 18 months for homes with BER ratings of E, F and G in 2024.

Last year, 146 homes in County Offaly were upgraded under the scheme. The SEAI data show that a total of 513 homes in County Offaly are currently on the scheme work programme. There is a total of 21,582 homes currently on the scheme work programme nationally. Surveys and upgrade works provided under the scheme are contracted by the SEAI to be provided nationwide and are not procured on a county by county basis.

The reduction in waiting time under the scheme follows the introduction of a range of measures by my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and further accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.