Vol. 1087 No. 3
7. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the work of the national energy affordability task force; when the action plan will be produced; the way in which timelines on implementation will be managed so as to assist households and business in advance of winter 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44562/26]
I am seeking an update on the work of the national energy affordability task force; when the action plan will be produced; the implementation timelines; and what will be done to assist households and businesses in advance of the coming winter.
First, I congratulate Deputy Seán Kyne on his re-election to Dáil Éireann.
Hear, hear.
He is very welcome.
Addressing energy affordability is a key priority for this Government. That is why, in June of last year, the Department established the national energy affordability task force, NEAT, to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The first report of the task force informed key aspects of budget 2026. That included a 15%, or €5 per week, increase to the fuel allowance, providing an additional €140 to recipients during the annual fuel allowance season. Eligibility for the fuel allowance was also expanded to include those in receipt of the working family payment and there was an extension to 2030 of the reduced VAT rate of 9%, which is applied to gas and electricity. A €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration was also extended for a further three years.
A record €640 million is also being provided to support the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's residential and community energy upgrade scheme this year. This includes €340 million for the warmer homes scheme, which provides fully funded upgrades for households in energy poverty. The allocation means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat. According to the SEAI, since 2019 over 17,000 homes have been upgraded in Galway alone under SEAI schemes, including over 1,400 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the warmer homes scheme, and over 7,300 solar PV installations.
The NEAT continues to work intensively on an energy affordability action plan to be submitted to the Government in quarter 3 of this year. This action plan will focus on short-, medium- and long-term measures, such as addressing the price of energy, sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility, and addressing energy poverty, customer protections and energy affordability for businesses.
I acknowledge the work of the Government in assisting those in fuel poverty and under pressure, the extension of the fuel allowance season and the continuation of the reduction in VAT on electricity and gas. We saw during March and April significant increases in the price of home heating oil. Thankfully, that has now come back to a degree but it was certainly a shock to the budgets of many homeowners. While I acknowledge the medium and longer term role of retrofitting as well as the moneys being spent from the carbon tax on the fuel allowance and retrofitting and the investment by the Government and the work of the Department, how can we prepare for such a shock, if it were to happen again in the coming winter, in terms of home heating kerosene prices?
I thank the Deputy for his question. When we saw the huge volatility and the energy crisis that resulted from events in the Middle East, we introduced unprecedented supports. We expanded the fuel allowance for an additional four weeks, which provided some comfort for those who use home heating oil. Notwithstanding the pressures that energy costs are putting on many families and recognising the scale of the intervention that has already been delivered, we also recognise what is still required. That is why, through the national energy affordability task force, we are moving to the next phase, which is to move away from emergency supports to more long-term affordable solutions. The core driver is reducing our reliance on volatile fossil fuels, scaling up renewables and improving energy efficiency. We want to continue to protect those who are most vulnerable. As I said, a comprehensive plan, which will come to the Government in quarter 3 of this year, will include a number of measures for those who are in energy poverty and those who need them most.
I thank the Minister of State for his response. I agree that the action plan needs to be flexible in relation to such shocks. I know this is not just an issue for his Department, and requires a whole-of-government response. During the winter period, demand for and usage of home heating oil will increase in Galway and Mayo. We will have colder nights and people will stay in for longer. I certainly hope that there is, in the action plan and in the Department, work taking place to engage with the Minister for Finance and other Ministers to ensure there will be a response should there be another home heating oil price shock. I acknowledge the medium and longer term view in relation to retrofitting, insulation and alternative sources, but we also have to look at the here and now for those under pressure.
I take the points the Deputy has raised. We will feed in the challenges that many households that rely on kerosene face. The task force will engage with other Departments such as the Department of Social Protection on how the fuel allowance can better support those who require it. That is exactly how this should be structured. There should not be just one published document, but a phased approach in which we see immediate measures being delivered in budget 2027 as well as further targeted actions, which can be finalised in the winter ahead, and a clear delivery timeline for the action plan itself. I take the points the Deputy has raised with regard to his constituents, especially those in rural areas who rely on oil and kerosene. I am sure we will engage with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and other Departments on that.
8. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the timeline to enact the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44544/26]
It is now a year and five months since Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc on this country and caused so much damage. We were promised at that time that the Government would take effective measures to implement the learnings from this storm. I welcome the Minister's major commitment to upgrade energy infrastructure and to very substantial funding. There is also a need to implement new legislative measures, with particular regard to the relationship between forestry and power lines. I would like to know what the status of that legislation is because we do not want to be in a position where another storm happens and many areas of country are without electricity again.
I thank Deputy Smith for raising this important matter. The Bill to which he refers, the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025, is being progressed by my Department as part of a wider programme of work to strengthen the resilience of Ireland's electricity network in the context of climate change and increasingly severe storms. Lessons have and must continue to be learned from Storm Éowyn. We have seen significant work done in relation to the clearing of forestry corridors and debris. That work is under way.
The overarching objective is to ensure that overhead electricity networks and forestry can coexist in a manner that delivers a secure, reliable and climate-resilient electricity supply for homes, businesses and communities. The Bill will make provisions for a number of amendments, which include enhanced proactive vegetation management measures to protect the electricity network, including powers to clear vegetation likely to interfere with the network; the establishment and maintenance of forestry corridors to improve resilience and operational safety for the network; and statutory regulation of future forestry planting in proximity to the electricity network.
The Bill is informed by lessons learned from Storm Éowyn and other severe weather events where we have seen specific vulnerabilities in parts of the country.
The proposed legislation seeks to provide a clear statutory framework to facilitate the proactive management of vegetation and forestry risks, while balancing environmental considerations, forestry interests and the rights of landowners. That is under way while, as the Deputy has recognised, we are investing in critical grid infrastructure across the country.
The updated draft heads of Bill are currently being revised and the team in my Department continues to engage, as a matter of priority, with stakeholders, in particular the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, but also ESB Networks, forestry representatives, landowner organisations and the Office of the Attorney General.
I thank the Minister for his reply. It should not be rocket science to bring forward these new legislative measures. The initial legislation in this area in this State is the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, which was amended in 1999 to address the relationship between forestry and transmission lines. For years, I have raised in this House the difficulties facing communities, especially those in my county of Cavan, and also across Leitrim and into Sligo. Year after year, during lesser storms than Storm Éowyn, trees were falling and bringing down power lines. I could be certain every January and February that I would have numerous calls from constituents who were without power due to forestry falling on power lines. This issue should have been addressed before Storm Éowyn. I know the Minister is prioritising it but legislation at official level moves far too slowly. This has to be given priority, as he said. There is no reason this type of legislation should not be enacted quickly and effectively. The last thing we want is to have forestry continuing to damage our critical infrastructure, including telecoms and ESB lines.
I agree with the Deputy. This is a priority. It needs to move quicker but there are a lot of stakeholders. To be frank about it, this is being made more complex than it should be because we are respecting the views of other stakeholders. We need to ensure the regulatory changes needed for new forestry are in place because the State is not going to be able to, nor should it, manage every private forest or private piece of land in the country. The State should not pay for it all either. The agreement with the Irish Farmers Association that was in place, which was a relatively loose agreement on forestry management, needs to be updated and put in legislation. We are operating under the 1927 Act and grey areas have been identified with respect to right of access. We are bottoming those out now. I met my team earlier this week. We are dependent on other stakeholders and Departments to work with us, which they are doing, but this needs to be done really quickly. I share the Deputy's sense of frustration with the pace heretofore but I assure him the legislation is being afforded priority. We need to get it done.
I thank the Minister for his reply. I cannot emphasise enough the priority that needs to be attached to this. We know the horrendous hardship and suffering that were inflicted on so many individuals, families and communities. Unfortunately, that also happened prior to Storm Éowyn. We are going to have more severe weather events, according to all predictions. Whatever needs to be done, the relevant measures have to be put in place rapidly. Under no circumstances can we have this idea that people can plant land up to other people's houses and all of that. There has to be strict regulation. Also, where the Department of agriculture is paying out premiums for forestry, it should have an inspection regime to ensure forests are properly maintained.
Absolutely.
It is the lack of maintenance that has allowed trees and forestry to cause so much damage. What has happened previously cannot be allowed continue. I implore the Minister again to emphasise to the stakeholders, namely, other Departments and the statutory agencies, that this legislation has to be prioritised.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute, as I did in 2025, to members of the emergency services who worked in very difficult circumstances to try to help families and communities, especially in ESB Networks.
The work of our emergency services is exceptional. We saw the difficulties they had to operate under following recent storms, including Storm Chandra and Storm Éowyn.
This work needs to be concluded. There is complexity in it. I hate even using the word because it seems like it is an excuse, but there is genuine complexity here. It involves updating legislation but also updating the operation and management of forestry. I agree with the Deputy completely that forestry owners have an absolute responsibility. That is why we need to get agreement now that we want re-afforestation across the country, with forests planted and maintained in such a way that we do not create a problem further down the road. We have nearly concluded that work and I will be convening stakeholders again in the next week or so. I expect to bring heads of Bill back to the Government well in advance of the summer recess. I completely understand the urgency of this legislation and I will keep the Deputy directly informed. I am aware of the impact this issue has had on areas of the country where there are large amounts of forestry, including the Deputy's area. Some of that forestry has not been managed or managed appropriately. I will keep him directly informed.
With the permission of the House the next question, which is in the name of Deputy Barry Ward, will be taken by Deputy Kyne.
9. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any Departmental review of the deposit return scheme; the mechanisms in place to measure the success of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43426/26]
I thank the Deputy for the question. The framework for governance and oversight of the deposit return scheme, DRS, is set out in the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024, the ministerial approval issued under those regulations and the code of corporate governance for compliance schemes. While Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the DRS, officials from my Department monitor performance of the scheme closely and meet Re-turn monthly to review progress. In addition, quarterly meetings are held to discuss strategic priorities and governance matters. I have also met representatives of the company on a number of occasions.
Regulation 7 of the DRS regulations provides for a review of Re-turn's approval three years after the grant of approval and every third year thereafter. Re-turn's approval was granted in July 2022, which means the first review was initiated in 2025, and this remains under consideration. As this is the first review since the scheme went live, a number of matters require review to ensure the continued effectiveness of the scheme.
The scheme is performing very well to date. Communities around the country are making the most of this new fundraising opportunity and enjoying huge reductions in litter. The 2026 Irish Business Against Litter annual survey, which was published last week, reported cans and plastic bottles litter is down 50% since the scheme was introduced in early 2024. The approval also obliges the company to achieve two separate collection and recycling targets, namely, by 2025 to have an amount equal to 77% of products placed on the market by weight, and by 2029 to have an amount equal to 90% of products placed on the market by weight. The company will publish its annual report for 2025 in the coming weeks and will set out its performance against those targets and other metrics in detail.
I thank the Minister of State for the response. It is good to see the statistics from Irish Business Against Litter showing a reduction of can and bottle litter. It is certainly welcome. There have been some concerns raised about the accessibility of the machines to wheelchair users, where the unclaimed deposit money will go and how long it is in the system, as well as how the machines' screens are not photosensitive, meaning they are bright at night when they do not need to be and are therefore using excess energy. Perhaps these issues could be looked at.
On accessibility, support and engagement are ongoing for those who require more adaptable Re-turn machines. The matter has certainly been brought to the attention of Re-turn and we have raised it. It is an operational issue for it. As the scheme continues to mature, more new initiatives will be included, not just through retailers but as part of the current review process.
In terms of the unredeemed deposits, the huge amounts that are sitting with a return are a significant issue, but it is also an opportunity. That money does not go to profit for Re-turn. It is reinvested in the scheme around educational awareness, but also circular initiatives. Again, it is my clear expectation that these funds will continue to strengthen and improve the system, notwithstanding the fact that we need to get to a more sustainable model. As the scheme continues to deliver as intended, those unredeemed deposits will continue to reduce.
It is important that unclaimed deposits be kept under review. Are there any regional differences in the uptake of the scheme? Is that something that could be examined, in particular whether particular parts of the country are lower? It is likely to be the case. There would be an average level and there would be some with higher rates of use and others with lower rates of use and return. We could engage with such communities to see what the issues, problems, stumbling blocks and impediments are to the uptake or what more could be done to improve the rates in those areas.
Through the ongoing governance and reviews, we get monthly operational and monitoring data. That is reviewed by our Department. We also get quarterly governance and strategic reviews. This is part of the statutory approval process, notwithstanding the strict corporate code of practice around this scheme.
In response to the Deputy's point, we will continue to bring forward new initiatives if they are raised within this House and can be practically implemented. Overall, nationally we have seen a high uptake. More than 77% of PET bottles and aluminium cans are being collected and separated. We have seen a huge uptake in regard to it. More than 2 billion bottles and cans are being processed on the island of Ireland, which is significant. We will continue to engage with Re-Turn on how it can continue to adapt and deliver for all our communities and make it more accessible to people who require it.
12. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline if his Department has undertaken an impact assessment of the current high cost of electricity on the Government's own electrification and decarbonisation targets; the measures that are in place to ensure that the cost of necessary grid infrastructure investment does not fall disproportionately on domestic consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44140/26]
38. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps being taken to ensure that retail electricity prices are brought to a level that makes electrification a genuinely affordable proposition for ordinary households, given the Government’s ambition to accelerate the electrification of Irish homes through heat pumps, electric vehicles, and other demand-side measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44139/26]
I welcome the opportunity to raise this important matter. Has the Department looked into the impact of high electricity prices in Ireland on the uptake of technology like heat pumps, electric vehicles, EVs, and home batteries that are needed to meet our decarbonisation target, and how that might impact on our 2030 targets?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 38 together.
I thank the Deputy for his question. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, is currently undertaking a multi-annual review of electricity network tariffs. Electricity network tariffs recover the costs of developing, operating, and maintaining the networks from the users connected to the electricity networks. The review will seek to put in place a framework for how network tariffs should be structured to ensure they are in the best interest of consumers, are fit for purpose for the modern evolving electricity networks and to help facilitate a low-carbon future.
The tariff review will take account of upcoming legal proposals from the European Commission on network charges which are expected to be published in July. It is anticipated that the legal proposals will aim to expedite the transition towards a more electrified, more efficient and more resilient energy system that can lower prices for consumers.
For the decarbonisation pathway to be efficient, our energy system must be smart. A smart and flexible energy system will reduce consumer energy bills by reducing the amount of generation and network assets that need to be built to meet peak demand.
Since 2019, capital expenditure of over €1.8 billion has delivered more than 268,000 home energy upgrades, including over 36,300 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the warmer homes scheme to the end of May 2026.
A rooftop revolution is under way across Ireland. More than 112,000 homes have received solar PV grants since the scheme began. The SEAI had received over 15,000 applications for solar PV in 2026, to the end of April. This is a 72% increase on the total applications in 2025. Some 99% of new housing is A-rated.
I recognise the importance of helping households and businesses under pressure as a result of increasing energy prices. The cross-government national energy affordability task force, NEAT, will play a key role in this regard. NEAT is working intensively on an energy affordability action plan, which will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs. The action plan will be built around four key pillars: addressing the price of energy; sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility; addressing energy poverty and customer protections; and energy affordability for businesses. To facilitate this, a number of NEAT subgroups has been established, bringing together officials from a wide range of Departments and agencies. A period of intensive engagement to refine options for consideration by the task force is under way, with subgroups meeting on an ongoing basis. This work is also being supported by structured engagement with relevant external stakeholders. The action plan will be submitted to the Government in the third quarter of this year.
Ireland has set an ambitious decarbonisation target of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030, which is nearly full electrification of heat and transport. I heard from constituents who have recently undertaken works to electrify their homes and from others who are considering it. The price of electricity means the payback calculations, unfortunately, no longer stack up. We face a situation where, unfortunately, the technologies required to meet our reduction targets are being undermined by the cost of energy that powers them. We cannot afford to set targets and then allow market conditions to quietly hollow them out. What plans does the Minister of State have in place to ensure the public have confidence in making investments into these technologies for the future?
I again thank the Deputy for the points he raises. I fully understand the concerns. Householders need confidence when switching to electricity that it will save them money. We have seen with the number of applications for SEAI grants but also for solar PV grants that those investments are reaping rewards. Electrification, when combined with efficiency and renewables, will lower energy costs over time for households. That is very much what we are focused on. Heat pumps in well-insulated homes reduce household heating bills. Solar PV allows households to generate their own electricity. We have seen a huge uptake in EVs and that has significantly reduced fuel and maintenance costs. These are the real drivers of ensuring that we can reduce our exposure to volatile, fossil fuel prices, particularly gas. That is why the Minister, through the SEAI and others, is scaling up the supports. We are also scaling up our renewable electricity at pace, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, but also building a more stable, low-cost system.
Through NEAT, we are also bringing forward additional measures that will continue to support households. The risk to households who do not move to electrification is that they could stay locked into expensive fossil fuels. We will look at how we can utilise best practice, be it through smart meters, looking at lower tariffs, better use, better efficiency and better supports. That is the way forward for many consumers and households.
The electrification of our economy is the right policy direction but it will only succeed if ordinary households are not priced out of it. Ireland already has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. The scale of grid investment required over the coming decade is enormous and there is a real concern that the cost of that infrastructure will be loaded onto domestic electricity bills through network charges.
If this continues, the people we are asking to switch to EVs and heat pumps are also the people being hit hardest by the cost of investing in the infrastructure needed to support our transition to full electrification. Will the Minister of State outline clearly how the Government will ensure that the burden of grid investment is distributed fairly and does not fall unequally on the domestic consumer who it is pushing to do the right thing?
I understand the points the Deputy raised. The challenge of high electricity prices is well understood. That is actively shaping Government policy in terms of regulatory discussions and decisions, but also how we continue to prioritise investment through price review, PR6, through ESB Networks and EirGrid. That is precisely also why we have commissioned the regulator of utilities to undertake an in-depth, fundamental and multi-annual review of the electricity network tariffs.
That review is very important in ensuring the costs are shared fairly right across users on the system, that households are protected, that they are not paying the most but also that they are protected from disproportionate impact, and that the tariff system supports electrification rather than acting as a barrier. That work will certainly be aligned with future forthcoming EU proposals that will be brought forward.
We want to continue to invest in our grid and bring more renewables on-stream, continue to support households and businesses through SEAI supports and ensure that businesses and households are protected into the future. We have already delivered in some of these areas. We reduced the VAT rate on electricity, in line with gas, to 9%. We have also increased the fuel allowance and its eligibility, bringing many recipients of the working family payment into direct energy supports. We will continue to shape budget 2027 around the energy affordability piece, working with other Departments, such as the Department of Social Protection, for those who are at risk of energy poverty.
13. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update offshore wind projects; the amount of offshore wind that is expected to be connected by 2030, 2032 and 2035, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43821/26]
Five phase 1 offshore projects are currently in planning, as the Deputy will be aware, off our east coast, with planned capacity of 3.8 GW. All five have submitted planning applications and first determinations from An Coimisiún Pleanála are anticipated on at least two of these by the end of this year, with the others to follow in 2027. The reason for that is they received detailed requests for further information, particularly around bird surveys. Subject to planning approval, I anticipate that some of these projects will be in construction by 2030. I do not see any of them being electrified, although there is the possibility of one, with a fair wind, if the Deputy will excuse the pun. I have said that publicly. Our focus is in getting them into construction and operational by the early 2030s.
We also have the 900 MW Tonn Nua project off the coast of Waterford. It was the only successful auction in the EU. If Britain is included as part of the European Continent, it was one of only two, along with allocation round 7, AR7. I expect that to be energised in 2033. Tonn Nua was the first of four sites to be brought to auction from the south coast designated maritime area plan, DMAP. We are making preparations to bring the remaining three south coast DMAP sites to auction over the coming period.
Separately, we are in the middle of the national DMAP process, that is, mapping our full maritime area to build that pipeline of sites into the future to be able to continue with regular auctions. That is to facilitate a further 20 GW.
I am not being evasive but I cannot say this is what we will have in 2030, 2032 or beyond. Suffice it to say, it is getting these ones out of planning and getting the phase 1 ones into construction. Tonn Nua is now done. I want to move on Lí Ban, for an auction there, and then conclude the national DMAP work by 2027, which is what we said we would do.
The Minister pointed on some of the issues that I want to raise. The first is what has been identified as a substantial delay in the planning system. This was reported on and accounted in the Oireachtas committee at the back end of last year. There were examples there, which he touched on, in terms of entering into the planning system in 2024, an expectation that people would have a decision in 2025 and instead they get a massive request for further information. I would make two related points on that. The first is that it felt like a planning system getting used to new types of applications. Is that something that we can expect in the future will be resolved? The second is the capacity in the planning system and the staffing of it. It does not fall directly under the Minister's remit, but where is that?
To be fair, on the Deputy's first point, that is acknowledged by what was then An Bord Pleanála and is now An Coimisiún Pleanála. Certainly, those were the first type of projects that they ever had to deal with. I agree there are learnings and they have learnt from them. Second, the planning environment is different now. New applications will come under the Planning and Development Act 2024, which sets strict timelines on planning decisions and sets timelines around requests for further information and how often further information can be requested. In short, that will improve the situation.
In relation to resources, I can tell the Deputy, given my previous portfolio, that we have increased resources in An Coimisiún Pleanála by over 50% and we have restructured an coimisiún. An coimisiún is meeting approximately 90% of its targets. I commend the officials on the work they are doing. The decisions are coming out quicker and more efficiently.
The Deputy made a very fair point. These were large projects that had not been seen in the planning system previously. The learnings from them have been acknowledged. With the new planning Act, I expect that planning for new offshore wind projects will go through much quicker and much more efficiently.
That is something that we need to keep a continued emphasis on to ensure that these applications are processed in a timely manner and that all of the necessary scrutiny is conducted from all aspects.
One of the key enabling infrastructures around offshore wind is our ports infrastructure. In terms of the development of our ports infrastructure, will we be ready to take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself in terms of offshore wind, whether in terms of ports for the maintenance of these facilities or for their construction?
Ports will be critical. In the coming couple of weeks, certainly before the recess, we will be bringing the new national ports policy to Cabinet. A lot of work has gone into it, and fed in by stakeholders as well. The east coast will be very important on that. That will come to Cabinet and then we will publish it. That will go out for consultation and every party and all stakeholders will get to see it.
Right now, Belfast is the only port that one could say will be able to carry out both. Belfast will be important to the island of Ireland and I see it being utilised. Cork is well advanced as well. I have visited the Port of Cork on a number of occasions. There has been really good work on the extension of piers, and good assistance from the European Union in that regard.
I agree we need to increase port capacity for construction but also, really importantly, as the Deputy mentioned, for the maintenance that will be required.
I see we will be ready. The Port of Cork has moved forward. I see Belfast as part of our offering as well and part of that solution, and, indeed, other ports that may come forward as well.
The next available question is Question No. 18 in the name of Deputy Michael Murphy.
18. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current average waiting times for applicants to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland warmer homes scheme at each stage of the process, including assessment, survey and completion of works; the number of households currently waiting more than 12 months and more than 24 months, respectively; the measures being taken to reduce these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41546/26]
I want to champion the warmer homes scheme and the Minister's commitment to it. I am seeking an update on waiting times for initial assessment and for completion of works, and details of any action plan to reduce those times.
I thank the Deputy for his question. The warmer homes scheme aims to improve home energy efficiency and warmth for people at risk of energy poverty. It is a nationwide scheme delivering 100% funded energy efficiency improvements to the homes of people in receipt of certain welfare payments, thereby making their homes more comfortable and energy efficient and reducing their energy costs.
The scheme is operated by the SEAI on behalf of the Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF. From 2019 to the end of May 2026, SEAI schemes have provided more than €1.8 billion in support to homeowners for over 268,000 home energy improvements, including more than 36,300 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the warmer homes schemes. Some 8,139 homes were upgraded under the scheme in 2025. In quarter 1 of 2026, the average cost of upgrades under the scheme, which were fully funded, was just over €31,000.
The breakdown of average wait times under the scheme in 2025 is as follows: 6.5 months for applications prior to publication of the building energy rating, BER; 13.5 months for applications for survey completed; 14.8 months for applications for contractor allocation; and 22 months for applications for work completed. The overall waiting time for applications for works completed represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with that decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled in the same period, increasing from more than 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.
The reduction in waiting times and increase in the number of home upgrades follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. They include the allocation of additional staff to the warmer homes scheme, a significantly increased budget allocation, active contract engagement management by the SEAI to increase contractor output, and actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
I reaffirm my support for the warmer homes scheme, which is having a real impact at local level, particularly for vulnerable householders, including older people and low-income families. The extension of the eligibility criteria for the scheme means that more than 470,000 families are now entitled to avail of it. My concern is the waiting times, with an average of 14 months for assessment and 24 to 26 months for completion of works. We really need to look at that. Having met with SEAI representatives this morning, my understanding is that there is an action plan for the scheme before the Department. A process is being gone through whereby there may be changes to the whole contractor system in terms of the individuals or companies that manage the contracts. With the numbers eligible for the scheme increasing, waiting times will surge unless we do something differently. While I support the scheme, I appeal for changes that will accelerate its operation.
I thank the Deputy for raising those important points. He has been consistent in his advocacy for improvements in waiting times for the scheme. The Minister will meet again with SEAI representatives to try to progress and build more efficiencies into the programme. We are not where we want to be. We want to make the scheme more agile. Demand for it has increased significantly, as I said, because it is fully funded. We understand the real benefits it provides to households. At the same time, the level of work involved, often amounting to full home retrofits, means these are complex projects, not quick fixes.
The grants available are in the region of €31,000, which is significant. We have allocated record levels of funding to support the scheme and we have also increased contractor capacity. We will continue to work with the SEAI to make the process more efficient. We are very much committed to delivering twice as many upgrades annually compared with the numbers a few years ago. We will continue to do that in the months ahead.
Since the early days of the scheme, which I continue to champion, more than 176,000 houses have been retrofitted. The Minister of State is right that the average retrofit cost per house is €31,000 but I am conscious that 30% of all applications are for what are called shallow refits involving both attic and wall insulation. When I met with the SEAI representatives this morning, there was a consciousness on both sides of the better energy homes scheme, which provides 100% funding for wall and attic insulation. We need to do more to encourage people on the waiting list for the warmer homes scheme who require only a shallow refit to avail of the better energy homes scheme instead, under which they can have wall and attic insulation done in the short term.
The key is to get the initial assessment done sooner and to avail of the capacity within the system. There are 1,000 BER assessors around the country. I understand there is a request within the action plan that is currently before the Department to better utilise those 1,000 assessors.
I again thank the Deputy for his work to try to streamline the process. I know he has engaged directly with the SEAI on a case-by-case basis regarding the operational details. There is no lack of oversight by the Department. We are very closely monitoring the overall performance with a view to improving it. We want to drive improvements and deliver more capacity within the schemes. That in itself will provide many more of the upgrades that people desperately need and that will reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make their homes more comfortable and cheaper to heat and run. The objective of streamlining the process, maintaining the quality and increasing the speed of delivery is why we have allocated €340 million this year. The ambition is that it will deliver more than 11,500 upgrades. That is exactly what we are focused on doing.
There are no more Members in the Chamber to put their questions. I might put my Question No. 46 if Deputy Murphy will take the Chair. The Deputy is agreeable.
46. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to address the high cost of energy for households and small businesses, particularly in rural areas; if he will consider further targeted supports in the upcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42815/26]
Deputy O'Shea had better not go over time.
What measures are being taken to address the crisis of high energy costs for householders and small businesses, particularly in rural areas? Will further targeted supports be considered in the upcoming budget?
We have discussed a number of measures this morning, including directly funded retrofitting for families and the grants we can provide to reduce energy usage. Those measures are good for our climate because they reduce emissions and they reduce costs for households. We have been able to retrofit approximately 264,000 homes so far. Earlier this year, the Minister of State and I, along with our team, looked at the grants that were available and broke them down to make them more accessible, particularly for middle-income families. In the first quarter of this year, there were more than 50,000 applications for home retrofitting. We need to support that because it takes pressure off our energy system.
It is good as well because we are pointing families and householders in the direction of renewable energy. Over 120,000 homes now have rooftop solar systems. Those grants have been increased, as have heat pump grants. The focus on rural areas, which the Deputy mentioned, is critical.
We have brought forward things to be able to break down the grants, like attic insulation or cavity walls, which can be done separately. The windows and doors grants were also not available before unless you retrofitted your whole home. To be frank, many people could not afford to do that, even though the grants were substantial because these still needed to be matched with substantial funding. That is why we have broken them down. We have had over 8,000 applications for that grant alone, based on the last numbers I had, in just a two-month period. These are practical measures we are taking for people.
On the business side of things, we had 5,000 business retrofitting grants approved. We need to focus a lot more of our resources in that space because it protects people against future price shocks. When people get retrofitting done, their energy bills come down and they are protected against future shocks. They are also pivoting towards renewables and we are making good progress there.
I concur with the Minister on the uptake of the grants, particularly the windows and doors grant. There has been a significant uptake in that grant. Certainly, through our own constituency offices, we can see there is great interest in it. I commend the Minister, his Department and all the team on making that available. Having the smaller grants available is hugely important for people who can afford them and can do retrofits in pieces and patches. That opportunity allows people to invest in their own homes as best as possible.
I also concur with the previous speaker, Deputy Murphy, as regards the warmer homes scheme and community energy scheme on how we can work with the SEAI to ensure more people can access those grants as quickly as possible. There is great appetite out there for more work in this space. I hope, along with budget 2027 and further budgets, we can continue the good work that has been done to date.
On the warmer homes scheme, and I listened to the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach's intervention on that, approximately 34,000 homes have been fully retrofitted with 100% grants. It is a great scheme, but waiting times are too long. To be fair to the SEAI, as Deputy Murphy said, it has submitted an action plan. I have a meeting later this afternoon in that regard to see how we can speed that up. We have made two specific changes for people on the warmer homes waiting list who can now access certain grants, which will not affect them while they are waiting for the overall grant. We are also retrofitting social homes at a level that has never been seen before, which is also a good thing. This protects those at risk of energy poverty, it is good for the climate and good for their pocket, as well as being good for our energy system. I will keep Members informed on this. I have a further meeting this afternoon with the team specifically relating to the SEAI action plan.
The Minister mentioned in previous contributions this morning the national energy affordability task force. Having that come out in quarter 3 of this year will be very important, particularly the four points addressed as part of that. These are the price of energy, sustainability in demand, enhancement of flexibility and addressing energy poverty for the consumer and customer protections. That is hugely important because we have a lot of people who are currently in arrears. How we can target those energy poverty measures to those customers will be hugely important. Likewise, with energy affordability for businesses the Minister just mentioned, if we can keep going along that process for the next 12 months, we can also certainly do a significant amount of work and see significant benefits from that.
The meat of that report will feed into our budget considerations and deliberations. I expect to have that by the end of July this year. We have done a lot of work on it. It looks at some potential structural changes and short-, medium- and longer-term measures, as well as further improving measures that are in place.
We know we are not in the position we want to be in with regard to energy costs. That is why it is so important that we accelerate delivery of renewables across the board and reduce our dependence on wholesale fossil fuel markets. Fundamentally, that is the major problem we face.
The figures out today do not deal with long-term systemic arrears. They are arrears from day one to post-90 days, so the figures themselves need to be interrogated more. However, anyone who does find themselves in arrears should make contact with their energy provider. Plans are there and will be put in place to help households. The last thing anyone wants, and I have said this to energy providers, is for people to be cut off from the energy they need. People should engage with their providers. I thank the Deputy for his support.
