Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
80. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if persons can apply for grant aid to the SEAI for upgrade works on a phased basis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36079/23]
View answerIn February 2022, Government launched a package of SEAI supports as part of the delivery of Ireland’s National Retrofit Plan. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and emissions. Partial grants are available for individuals that can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty.
Homes, built and occupied pre-2011 (pre-2021 for heat pumps and Solar PV) and owned by private homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies are eligible to apply for grant support under the SEAI Residential and Community Energy Upgrade schemes.
As part of these enhanced supports, increased grant rates are available across SEAI administered schemes: the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is available for homeowners wishing to avail of the complete home energy upgrade service provided through the one stop shops; the Community Energy Grant is available for homeowners seeking to carry out their deep retrofit as part of a community project; and the Better Energy Homes facilitates homeowners wishing to undertake a deep retrofit through a step-by-step approach and apply to SEAI for grant support on a phased basis. The range of schemes available allows homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs.
It is important to note that while there is a range of grant supports offered across all of the SEAI residential and community energy efficiency upgrade schemes, a number of other measures are available to homeowners undertaking a deep retrofit under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme or the Community Energy Grant Scheme. These grant supports include windows and/or door upgrades; floor insulation; mechanical ventilation; and air tightness. They are available to homeowners completing a whole home energy upgrade as such measures might be deemed, through the home energy survey and assessment, as required upgrades to ensure that a home achieves a B2 rating or is suitable for installation of a heat pump.
