Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 March 2026
125. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of oil boilers and gas boilers installed in the warmer homes scheme and warmth and wellbeing scheme for 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form. [19911/26]
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 the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The Warmth and Wellbeing Pilot Scheme was a joint energy, social and health policy initiative led by my Department with the Department of Health, the SEAI and the Health Service Executive. The scheme opened to applicants in 2016 and closed in February 2022. The aim of the initiative was to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people at risk of energy poverty and living with chronic respiratory conditions. The scheme provided free, extensive energy upgrades to eligible homes making the homes warmer and healthier to live in. The health and wellbeing benefits of energy efficiency are internationally recognised, but this scheme aimed to validate those benefits in an Irish context.
The results of the Warmth and Wellbeing Pilot Scheme are being used to inform policy development and scheme improvements.
The information sought is an operational matter for the SEAI, an agency under the aegis of the Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the SEAI directly in relation to this matter. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
