Huge delays for vulnerable households waiting for energy upgrades – Murphy

Vulnerable households are now waiting up to three years for essential energy upgrades, a Fine Gael TD has reported.

Deputy Michael Murphy said: “A vulnerable individual in my constituency applied to the scheme in October 2024. On 4 November, the SEAI informed my office that she is still ‘awaiting surveyor allocation’ — more than a year after applying. The SEAI also outlined current waiting times of 14 months for a survey, 24–26 months for works, and a further three months for post-works inspection. Crucially, they could provide no indicative timeline for when this applicant might even receive their survey.

“This is the lived reality for vulnerable households. Despite official claims and spin that waiting lists are coming down, the situation on the ground tells a very different story.”

Deputy Murphy noted that there are already 20,000 households on the waiting list and that upcoming changes to the Fuel Allowance will add a further 50,000 eligible households next year.

“Expanding eligibility without expanding delivery capacity will only deepen delays,” he said. “Budget increases are welcome, but they must translate into workers on roofs, contractors on the ground and upgrades being delivered.”

Deputy Murphy called on the SEAI to publish a clear backlog-reduction plan, outline contingency measures for the expanded Fuel Allowance cohort and accelerate contractor and surveyor capacity within the SEAI.

“Without urgent, targeted action, the scheme will continue to fall short of the needs of the very people it is designed to support,” concluded Deputy Murphy.