Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
175. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total number of applicants for the warner homes scheme; the current average wait time from application date to completion of works; and to also outline these figures specifically for the Cork region. [14628/26]
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 carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, in 2025 was 22 months.
The breakdown of average waiting times under the scheme in 2025 was as follows:
• Application to Pre-BER Published - 6.5 months
• Application to Survey Completed - 13.5 months
• Application to Contractor Allocation - 14.8 months
• Application to Works Completed - 22 months
This represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with this decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled over the same period, increasing from over 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.
The reduction in waiting times and increase in number of homes upgraded follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme; a significantly increased budget allocation; active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
Importantly, the SEAI are currently establishing a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Q2 this year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme.
The current average wait time from application date to completion of works is not routinely collated on a county-by-county basis. The number of homes on the waiting list in County Cork for the Warmer Homes Scheme as at the end of 2025 was 2,238. This includes homes that: are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor; or are awaiting the initial survey of their home.
To help maximise delivery and continue to improve waiting times, Budget 2026 provided record funding of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 fully funded home upgrades for 2026.
