Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

139. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the options available through the better energy warmer homes scheme given the restrictions on coverage for new fossil fuel heating sources in place from earlier this year; if there are plans to examine alternative lower cost-effective heating sources in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60478/25]

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

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 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the 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.

There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades recommended for a particular property depend on many factors, including age, size, type, and the condition of the property. For each eligible home, the SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded.

Until 31 December 2024, a new gas or oil heating system could be recommended for installation and funded under the Warmer Homes Scheme. This was done in order to comply with Building Regulations requirements where a major renovation was taking place under the scheme.

However, under the revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Member States cannot provide financial incentives for the installation of stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels from 1 January 2025. Therefore, since then, the SEAI cannot recommend the installation of new stand-alone oil or gas boilers as an upgrade measure when surveying homes under this scheme.

The SEAI are undertaking a Renewables Pilot under the scheme to test other options for the worst energy performing homes to maximise renewables where possible and suitable. As part of this, where a heating system upgrade is required as part of a major renovation, the SEAI will assess the suitability of the home for a heat pump, or other renewable heating technologies, which are compliant with the EPBD.

My Department, together with the SEAI, continually keep grant schemes under review (this includes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates), taking account of relevant factors such as demand, research, innovation and evolving technology.