Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2025
140. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or the SEAI have plans to change the qualifying criteria for the warmer homes scheme including that the home must be built pre-2006, given the number of years the scheme has been in operation and that many of the houses built since 2006 are now in need of retrofit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26936/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. This resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households, a 31% increase on 2023. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, an 11-fold increase on the 2020 expenditure figure.
The scheme targets support to those living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact on homes in, or at risk of, energy poverty. The year of build requirement is in place as homes constructed after 2006 are generally more energy efficient than those built before then due to the energy performance requirements of the 2003 Building Regulations.
My Department and the SEAI will continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
