Minister for Climate, Energy and the Enviroment statement on expanding the Warmer Homes Schemes and if Solar will be included

In responce to John McGuinness' question the Minister states:

The 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.

Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. As reported by the SEAI, this resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households. This year's budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme.

These budgets have allowed the scheme to deliver a greater number of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades, which the SEAI indicates has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to over €29,000 in 2025.

The scheme targets support to those most in need and living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact. The upgrades available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the programme.

The scheme seeks to reduce the amount of energy a household needs by reducing heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replacing heating systems where required under Building Regulations. This is in line with the fabric first/energy efficiency first principle and best practice.

In line with above, Solar PV is not currently offered as standard upgrade under the Warmer Homes Scheme.

I note the SEAI are currently piloting the installation of renewable technologies, mainly heat pumps, where a major renovation is taking place. The purpose of the pilot is to test the capabilities and the suitability of installing heat pumps in the context of the energy poverty objectives for the Warmer Homes Programme. In a small number of homes, Solar PV has also been installed with a heat pump to support further insights as part of the overall pilot.

The upgrades offered under the scheme are kept under ongoing review by my Department and officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of my fully-funded energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.

The Deputy may also wish to note that homes built prior to 2011 are eligible for part-funded grants for Solar PV. Further details can be found on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie.