Clare’s Independent TD Michael Harty has welcomed today’s announcement that those who meet the eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme and are living in a home that is in poor condition.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten announced an expansion of Schemes to combat energy poverty in Dublin this morning.
Speaking at the Energy Action Fuel Poverty and Climate Action Conference 2017 this morning Minister Naughten said: “Everyone deserves a home they can afford to heat and to light. But, regrettably some cannot. Many struggle to make ends meet. And among those who struggle hardest, too many live in homes that are sink holes for fuel poverty. Ending this inequality is a priority for me. Energy poverty is an environmental issue.
It is an economic issue that blights lives. We are here today with the common purpose of combatting it. The Warmer Homes Scheme will remain the Government’s primary energy efficiency support for those in energy poverty. I have secured a record level of funding for the progamme this year.
I am announcing today that those people who meet the eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme (in receipt of Fuel Allowance, Family Income Supplement or One Parent Family Payment) and are living in a home that is in particularly poor condition will be entitled to receive a new deep retrofit which will significantly upgrade their home free of charge. These deeper renovations will provide for solid wall insulation, mechanical ventilation systems and renewable heating solutions. In addition, those who previously received attic or loft insulation under the Scheme but did not have their cavity walls treated can be revisited to receive wall insulation now,” stated Minister Naughten.
Dr Michael Harty TD said: “In addition, those who previously received attic or loft insulation under the scheme but did not have their cavity walls treated can be revisited to receive wall insulation now and will be eligible for the deeper renovations if they fit the criteria. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is currently tendering for providers. When this tender is complete we will have quadrupled SEAI’s capacity to deliver deeper retrofits.”
Dr. Harty congratulated Energy Minister Denis Naughten for this latest announcement and added that the Minister has ensured that the Warmer Homes Scheme remains the Government’s primary energy efficiency support for those in poverty.
“Minister Naughten has secured record levels of funding for the Warmer Homes programme for this year and will spend that money to bring physical comfort to the homes of many who are most in need,” he added.
Details of the scheme can be view here.