Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
246. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current waiting times for BER assessments associated with SEAI grants for County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14818/26]
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 current wait time for BER assessments associated with SEAI grants is not routinely collated on a county-by-county basis. However, the breakdown of average waiting times nationally under the Warmer Homes 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
• Application to post works BER/inspection is approximately 2 to 3 months after works completed
A range of measures have been introduced by my Department and the SEAI to improve waiting times and increase the number of homes upgraded. 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.
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.
My Department and the SEAI continue to keep waiting times under review, and to work to deliver energy upgrades to low-income households and reduce the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme as a priority.
