Robert Troy
Ceist:15. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure the SEAI grant eligibility for a person (details supplied) is reviewed. [45677/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 November 2024
Ceisteanna (15)
Freagraí scríofa
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households in or at risk of energy poverty is a top priority for the Government. Since 2000 over 161,190 homes have been upgraded under this scheme.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as Minister I have no function in relation to such applications. Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by telephone to 01 808 2005. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
I understand that the upgrades recommended for a given property depend on many factors, including age, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home an SEAI technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded. The scheme guidelines can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/SCHEME-GUIDELINES.pdf.
It should be noted all of the SEAI approaches including these scheme guidelines are determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. This means that wall insulation is not currently recommended under any of its residential energy efficiency schemes on dwellings built before 1940 which are constructed in stone, single-leaf masonry or composite wall construction.
However, a pilot programme to allow homeowners of traditionally built homes (typically built with solid wall, stone, clay, lime-based materials) to access energy upgrades through the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme managed by One Stops Shops and supported by a qualified Traditional Building Professional has recently been launched by SEAI. The Pilot provides part-fund grants and will gather data on technical aspects, materials, products, installation costs for upgrading older traditionally built homes and will inform future approached for such homes under the Warmer Homes scheme.
It should also be noted, in line with the published guidelines that only single-glazed windows are upgraded under the scheme, where the walls are also being insulated.
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 (CWS) 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/.