Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

128. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the long waiting time for BER assessments in County Clare; and the steps his Department is taking to address the same. [50281/25]

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

My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. These schemes include grants for the fabric upgrade of buildings, as well as solar PV and heat pump installation.

The various SEAI residential and community energy efficiency upgrade schemes have different terms and conditions, including in relation to timeframes for the completion of works on the part-funded schemes.

The National Home Energy Home Upgrade Scheme and Community Energy Grant Scheme are part-funded schemes where homeowners engage a registered One Stop Shop or Project Co-ordinator to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under these schemes within 12 months.

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 SEAI on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.

Given the very high number of applications (approximately 12,000 in 2024 compared to approximately 2,800 in 2021), the following are the SEAI’s estimates of approximate wait times for each stage for homes applying today:

• the usual processing time for applications is 5 to 10 days from receipt;
• the pre-works BER is up to 12 months from application (if required);
• the survey is approximately 14 months from application;
• Works are completed approximately 24 to 26 months from application;
• the post works BER/inspection is approximately 2 to 3 months after works completed.