100. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if persons (details supplied) can avail of a grant for a new home heating system and outside insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29136/24]

My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The schemes offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty.

The Better Energy Homes Scheme allows homeowners to take a step-by-step approach or self-manage the project, while the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (One-Stop-Shop scheme) and the Community Energy Grant Scheme are aimed towards homeowners wishing to undertake a whole home energy upgrade to achieve a BER of at least B2 with a minimum primary energy uplift of at least 100 kWh/m2/year. The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income homeowners who are vulnerable to energy poverty. Further details on range of schemes and the grants supports available can be found at:

www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/.

Under the Better Energy Homes Scheme, grant support of up to €8,000 is available for external wall insulation for a detached house with €6,500 available for an air to water heat pump. For homeowners undertaking a deep retrofit with a heat pump under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) or the Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme, additional grant support is available towards required heating system upgrades, as well as a bonus payment of €2,000 to eligible homeowners. This equates to a potential grant support of up to €10,500 available to homeowners upgrading to a heat pump as part of a deep retrofit project.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was launched on the 24th April 2024. The Government-backed €500 million Scheme will support homeowners to invest in the fabric upgrade of their homes (e.g., insulation) and renewable energy solutions (e.g., heat pumps). Homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 at significantly lower interest rates to make their homes warmer and cheaper to run. Homeowners can now apply for the loan with PTSB, AIB & BoI. Loan interest rates vary between participating finance providers with rates from 3%. More information on the loans can be found here: sbci.gov.ie/products/home-energy-upgrade-loan-scheme.