Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
279. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he can advise in relation to an application for the warmer homes scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/26]
View answerThe 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.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI. 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. I am advised that no other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
Applicants can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application, either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address: pq@seai.ie.
Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting 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 maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
As of 2 March, a higher fixed-amount grant for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation will be introduced for homeowners who are on qualifying Department of Social Protection payments. This will allow qualifying homeowners at risk of energy poverty to get these works done using their own SEAI-registered contractor in a shorter timeframe. Eligible applicants can keep their place on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list while carrying out these works. Further details on how to apply for this grant will be available at the beginning of March.
The 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 (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/; and
• the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by Local Authorities. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/.
