Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
145. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will carry out a review of the home suitability criteria under the SEAI, free energy upgrades warmer homes scheme; if he will reduce the restrictive nature of criteria on type of house build to qualify for measures under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73069/25]
View answer148. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he or his Department plan to change the criteria for the warmer homes scheme to ensure houses that require fossil boiler replacements are eligible to apply; if there are plans to allow additional home heating options as a result of EU regulations which no longer allow for the replacement of fossil fuel boilers through the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73205/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 148 together.
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.
The scheme seeks to reduce the amount of energy a household needs by reducing heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replacing heating systems where required under Building Regulations. This is in line with the fabric first/energy efficiency first principle and best practice.
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. The SEAI is piloting the installation of renewable technologies, including heat pumps where major renovations are taking place under the scheme.
These pilots are helping us assess the suitability of such technologies in the context of energy poverty and long-term value for money. The scope of upgrades under the scheme is kept under ongoing review and my Department continues to work closely with the SEAI to ensure we maximise the impact of resources available.
We remain committed to ensuring that low-income households benefit from Ireland's renewable energy transition and will continue to explore how best to integrate other technologies into our energy poverty programmes.
