Longford–Westmeath's Micheál Carrigy calls for action over Warmer Homes Scheme delays

Fine Gael TD for Longford–Westmeath, Deputy Micheál Carrigy, has called for urgent action to address the extraordinary delays facing applicants to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Warmer Homes Scheme.

Deputy Carrigy said:

“I am deeply concerned by the current waiting times for this essential scheme, which provides free energy efficiency upgrades to some of the most vulnerable households in the State.”

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

“These are people who are already struggling with high energy costs — most of them elderly, living alone, and dependent on the fuel allowance,” Deputy Carrigy said.

“It’s simply unacceptable to ask them to wait over two years for basic insulation or heating upgrades. That delay defeats the purpose of the scheme.”

Deputy Carrigy said the Warmer Homes Scheme plays a crucial role in protecting households from fuel poverty, but that long delays are undermining its impact. He is calling on the SEAI and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to urgently allocate additional resources and streamline the process.

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“With winter setting in, every month matters,” he concluded.

“We need a faster turnaround so that people aren’t left in cold, damp homes waiting years for support. This is about fairness, dignity, and ensuring that those most in need are kept warm and safe in their homes.”