Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
58. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the retrofit scheme; the number of homes that have benefitted from the scheme to date; and the work he is undertaking to meet the target of retrofitting 500,000 homes by 2030. [17754/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has one of the most ambitious home retrofit targets in the world. The National Retrofit Plan sets out how these targets will be met, including an €8 billion financial allocation out to 2030.
A range of measures have been introduced under the Retrofit Plan in recent years to support the achievement of our targets, including:
• Enhanced SEAI grant schemes with simplified application processes and faster approvals, including a greater focus on heat pumps;
• A reformed Warmer Homes Scheme for homeowners in energy poverty with expanded eligibility, increased depth of retrofit, prioritisation of the worst performing homes and a higher number supported;
• Establishment of a network of 24 SEAI registered One Stop Shops with further growth in the network expected this year;
• Enhanced supports for retrofitting apartment buildings and flat complexes;
• New supports for area-based retrofit projects and traditional buildings;
• The new Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 3%;
• A reduction in the VAT rate for heat pumps to 9% and a 0% rate for solar panels;
• A tax incentive to encourage small-scale landlords to undertake retrofitting works while tenants remain in situ; and
• Measures to increase the number of workers with retrofit skills.
Between 2019 and 2024, SEAI schemes provided €1.2 billion support to homeowners for almost 187,000 home energy upgrades, including 58,000 B2s and 25,000 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme. Data from Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show a further 10,500 local authority upgrades funded by that Department during the same period. This year, a record budget of €550 million allocation to SEAI will support over 64,500 home energy upgrades and build on the momentum seen in recent years. My officials continue to work with the SEAI and other relevant Departments and Agencies to deliver on the range of Programme for Government commitments related to retrofit.
