Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
17. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for works to be carried out under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4540/26]
View answerThe average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, in 2025 was 21 months for the worst performing homes and 22 months for better performing homes. The represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with this decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled over the same period, increasing from over 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.
The reduction in waiting times and increase in number of homes upgraded follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme; a significantly increased budget allocation; active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
Budget 2026 provided record funding for SEAI residential retrofit schemes to help maximise delivery and, where applicable, to continue to improve waiting times.
Importantly, the SEAI have recently launched a tender to establish a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Q2 this year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of fully funded energy upgrades and thereby minimise waiting times.
