6. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he is taking to achieve the 500,000-home target by 2030 under the home energy upgrade programme; the reasons identified by him as to the levelling-out of uptake under the scheme; the measures to be taken on the issues identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17992/25]

Sentiment score: 0.10

Tá spriocanna dúshlánacha leagtha amach chun athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar thithe cónaithe agus iad sin a bheith ullamh faoi 2030. An mbeimid ábalta na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach nó an bhfuil aon bhac ann gur féidir a chur ar leataobh? There are ambitious targets set out for more than 500,000 homes to have been renovated by 2030. Is that on target? Has the Department identified any obstacles that need to be removed to reach it?

Sentiment score: -0.20

I thank the Minister. I will focus first on lower income households, where the free home energy upgrades, under the warmer homes scheme, would be expected to deliver. This time last year, it was taking eight to ten months to reach stage one, the BER assessment, and 26 months to get the overall works done under the scheme. By the middle of last year, it had slipped to ten to 12 months to get the BER assessment. We would expect that multiple BER-assessing contractors would be available around the country to support a slipping target. In my office, I am dealing with people who have been waiting up to 15 months with no contact for a BER assessment. Are the SEAI times correct? Is there something particular in Cork that is causing such delays? Will the SEAI, even if it needs to take on additional contractors, advance that aspect of the grant?

Sentiment score: 0.17

For people who do not qualify for the free schemes, there is a range of grants and loans. Depending on the age of the building and the size, quite a substantial job can be required. It could be anywhere from €20,000 to €70,000 to carry out a deep retrofit. While there is a grant, it is a big expense, with people even having to borrow, and there is a long payback. The time, the cost and possibly having to relocate, borrow or find alternative accommodation while the work is being undertaken are further challenges. For many people, the sums just do not add up. Is it possible to increase the level of grant? In Denmark, the loan interest rate is closer to 1%, which would make it more accessible for people. So many people are just not going to be able to conduct the works.

Sentiment score: 0.27