Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
168. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if an application (details supplied) for the warmer homes scheme could be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32301/25]
View answerThe 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.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and, as Minister, I have no function in relation to applications. Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to the SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
Delivering energy upgrades to low-income households while also reducing the wait times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of free energy upgrades thereby minimising waiting times.
Applicants can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email or by telephone – details are on the SEAI website. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/.
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
