100. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has considered a review of the eligibility criteria under the SEAI warmer homes scheme in respect of homes with a room-in-roof construction that are currently excluded from insulation measures; and the technical basis for the exclusion of such properties. [64249/26]

The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax revenues and the European Regional Development Fund.

The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.

The Warmer Homes Scheme applies standard technical criteria designed to ensure measures can be delivered safely, consistently, and cost-effectively across eligible homes.

There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Warmer Homes Scheme. The upgrades recommended for a property will depend on many factors including age, size, and type and condition of the property.

These can include:

• attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;

• wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;

• secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting; and

• in certain circumstances, heating system and window replacements.

For each eligible home, the SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded.

The Warmer Homes Scheme currently does not routinely install insulation measures in room-in-roof or dormer roof constructions due to technical challenges associated with achieving the required thermal performance while maintaining appropriate ventilation and moisture control.

The SEAI recently funded research undertaken by Trinity College Dublin examining the retrofit of dormer attic structures. The research found that retrofitting occupied dormer attic spaces presents a significantly increased risk of condensation and mould growth when compared with conventional attic structures. The study concluded that achieving a safe and durable retrofit in many dormer configurations is technically feasible, where appropriate ventilation and moisture management measures are incorporated. Additional interventions such as mechanical ventilation systems and vapour barriers to manage moisture risks are typically required.

The SEAI has reviewed the findings of this research, which support the existing position that room-in-roof and dormer roof constructions are not generally suitable for inclusion within a standardised energy-poverty retrofit programme that aims to deliver at scale, consistently and cost-effectively across eligible homes. These property types require bespoke technical assessment and specialist interventions that currently fall outside the scope of the Warmer Homes Scheme.

My Department and the SEAI keep grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.