Written answers

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Energy Conservation

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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185. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 10 and 11 of 16 July 2025, to report on the 80 homes across two area based projects that have been contacted under the scheme; to outline where these projects are located and the reasons they were chosen; to outline the criteria for selection; to provide a project timeline for completion; to provide a breakdown of the funding allocated; to provide a breakdown of the pre-retrofit BER ratings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41749/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Communities Energy Grant Scheme is part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme. The primary objective of the scheme is to support and maximise the number of home energy upgrades delivered. Non-domestic projects are also supported to encourage broader community engagement and mobilisation.

Changes to the scheme guidelines were introduced in 2024, including the rollout of a pilot focused on area-based home retrofit projects which will encourage Communities Energy Grant Project Coordinators, Local Authorities and local energy agencies to collaborate with a focus on leaving no home behind.

The information sought in relation to the scheme is an operational matter for the SEAI, an agency under the aegis of my Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the SEAI directly in relation to this matter. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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186. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 11 of 16 July 2025, when the public consultation on the draft heat policy statement will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41750/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The National Heat Study, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), contains detailed analysis that is being used to inform the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise Ireland’s heating and cooling sectors to 2050. A draft Heat Policy Statement, informed by the findings of the National Heat Study, has been prepared and has undergone extensive consultation with Government Departments and Agencies. The Heat Policy Statement will set out Ireland's overarching approach to decarbonising the heat sector. The draft statement encompasses the national heat-related policies currently in place relevant to households, businesses, energy suppliers, planning authorities, and developers.

It is a legal requirement to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to determine whether the draft Heat Policy Statement is likely to have significant environmental effects. An SEA screening and a screening for an Appropriate Assessment (AA) for the draft Heat Policy Statement has been completed. The SEA and AA screening reports resulted in a full SEA being required, but an AA not being required. The SEA has been undertaken and delivered to the Department.

A public consultation on both the SEA Environmental Report, the AA Screening report, and the draft Heat Policy Statement is required to take place before the SEA process can be finalised. The consultation is planned for Q3 2025. Following completion of the consultation process, the draft Heat Policy Statement will be submitted to Government for approval and publication.

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