Delays to Warmer Homes Scheme are undermining its effectiveness – Murphy

Applications to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Warmer Homes Scheme are facing extraordinary delays, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Michael Murphy said: “I have serious concerns about the levels of wait times for applications to this service which provides essential energy efficiency upgrades for some of the state’s most vulnerable households.”

Figures from the SEAI show applicants are now being advised that it may take up to 14 months just to have a survey carried out, with overall completion times extending beyond two years.

“People are already struggling with high energy costs – most of whom are elderly, living alone, and in receipt of the fuel allowance. To ask them to wait over two years for basic insulation or heading upgrades is simply unacceptable,” Deputy Murphy said.

“The Warmer Homes Scheme is a vital support that protects vulnerable people and families from fuel poverty, but these delays are seriously undermining its effectiveness.”

Deputy Murphy is calling on the SEAI and the Department of Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment to urgently address the delays and ensure that applications are processed in a timely and efficient manner.”

He concluded by saying: “With winter approaching, every month matters. We need to see additional resources and a faster turnaround time so that people aren’t left in cold, damp houses waiting years for help. This is about fairness, dignity and basic comfort.