84. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny currently on the waiting list for the warmer homes scheme; and the approximate wait time. [6681/25]

Sentiment score: 0.12

I ask the Minister to detail the number of homes in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny currently on the warmer homes scheme waiting list and the approximate wait time.

Sentiment score: 0.36

I welcome the significant increase in investment in this area. The Government must continue to deliver exemplary retrofitting schemes. However, to make real improvements we must take a targeted approach and prioritise the least energy-efficient homes first. Homes with a BER of E, F or G should be prioritised over those rated C or D. As the Minister will be aware, many homes with a lower BER are occupied by the most vulnerable in our communities, including pensioners and low-income families who cannot afford to use the one-stop-shop grant system and are therefore faced with a months-long wait for the warmer homes scheme. What is being done to reduce waiting times for the warmer homes scheme?

Sentiment score: 0.28

I welcome the Minister's enthusiasm and commitment to this. In order to speed up delivery of the warmer homes scheme, we must tackle the shortage of skills in the retrofit sector. The programme for Government commits to providing more upskilling and training opportunities in retrofitting, to establish new courses in green skills to support Ireland's transition to a green economy and industry centres of retrofitting excellence nationwide. Once delivered, this vital training will go a long way towards reducing wait times. I urge the Minister to work with the Minister for further education, Deputy Lawless, to prioritise these commitments so that we can deliver much-needed retrofits to the most vulnerable in society at a quicker pace. I acknowledge the improvements that we have seen in the scheme but we need more pace and I welcome the Minister's drive in achieving that.

Sentiment score: 0.44