Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
21. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the allocation for all of the different retrofit schemes accounting for any changes post revised estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43463/23]
View answerThe total 2023 allocation for Subhead B.4 Residential /Community Retrofit Programmes within my Department is €356.4 million. This amount is comprised of Voted monies along with additional funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Energy Efficiency National Fund.
The scheme-by-scheme allocations are informed by an initial forecast of expenditure and output for each of the Residential and Community Schemes agreed between the Department and SEAI at the beginning of the year. This forecast is based on a number of factors including expected demand for individual Schemes and the pipeline of works in place for each. In line with proper governance of public monies and ongoing monitoring of performance throughout the year, SEAI undertakes, and submits to the Department, a mid-year capital reforecast setting out any changes in terms of its expected end of year position regarding expenditure and output. This process can result in a reallocation across the Schemes. The figures provided below show the changes in funding at Scheme level this year.
The SEAI has confirmed that the revised allocations are sufficient funding to meet all expected demand for each Scheme this year.
The reallocation of funds, most notably to the Solar PV Scheme, reflect the continued strong levels of demand since the start of this year, in conjunction with Government's decision to reduce the rate of VAT on the supply and installation of solar panels to 0%.
Figures from SEAI show that to the end of September this year over 34,000 home energy upgrades have been supported through the SEAI - up 112% on the same period of last year. Based on this performance it is expected that the 2023 target of 37,000 home energy upgrades will be exceeded.
|
Residential / Community Retrofit Programmes - Subhead B4 |
Capital Allocations 2023 (€000) – Start of year breakdown |
Capital Allocations 2023 (€000) - Post SEAI Mid-year reforecast |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
148,500 |
148,500 |
|
Better Energy Homes |
48,400 |
48,400 |
|
Community Energy Grant Scheme |
68,000 |
66,000 |
|
National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (One Stop Shop Service) |
45,000 |
27,800 |
|
Solar PV Schemes |
36,170 |
57,500 |
|
Community Activation Fund |
5,330 |
3,200 |
|
Deep Retrofit |
2,200 |
2,200 |
|
Building Energy Rating (BER) Supports |
1,800 |
1,800 |
|
Renewable Electricity Support Scheme - Communities |
1,000 |
1,000 |
|
Total |
356,400 |
356,400 |
