Written answers
Thursday, 18 September 2025
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Energy Conservation
Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
99. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications currently in place for the warmer homes scheme; the number of applications processed in 2022, 2023 and 2024; the average waiting period from the date of application to getting the works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49111/25]
Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (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 the SEAI indicates has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to over €29,000 in 2025. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions. The number of upgrades completed in 2022, 2023, 2024 are 4,264, 5,897 and 7,743 respectively.
As reported by the SEAI, as of end August there are 20,994 homes in progress under the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that: are awaiting the initial survey of their home; awaiting the allocation of a contractor; have been allocated to contractors for works; or are currently undergoing works.
Information in relation to waiting times under the schemes is an operational matter for the SEAI and is not held by my Department. However, I can note the average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works to date in 2025, was 21 months for the worst performing homes and 22 months for better performing homes. I can further provide contact details to the Deputy to follow up directly with the SEAI where any further or additional information is requested.
No comments