Applications to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Warmer Homes Scheme are experiencing significant delays, according to Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy.

Deputy Murphy expressed concern over the extended wait times for the programme, which provides crucial energy efficiency upgrades for vulnerable households.

"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," he said.

-- Advertisement --

SEAI figures indicate that applicants may now wait up to 14 months for a survey to be conducted, with total completion times stretching 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 heating upgrades is simply unacceptable," Deputy Murphy added.

He warned that the delays are undermining the scheme's effectiveness. "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," he said.

Deputy Murphy has called on SEAI and the Department of Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment to urgently address the backlog and ensure that applications are processed promptly and efficiently.