It is unacceptable that more than 700 applicants for the Warmer Homes scheme are still waiting for the work to be carried out, according to Sinn Féin councillor Rose Conway-Walsh.
Cllr Conway-Walsh stated: “Some of these applicants have been waiting since 2010 to have the insulation works done. I submitted a number of parliamentary questions regarding the waiting times for this scheme through Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley in the last month. Minister Phil Hogan has been asked to immediately allocate sufficient resources to both Clar ICH, Claremorris, and Mayo North East LEADER Partnership to enable them to continue with the work. These are the two community based organisations in Mayo contracted to implement the scheme in the county. I have further asked the Minister to allocate some of the outstanding works to contractors in local areas to clear the backlog and create local employment.
“The Minister says SEAI [Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland] are working towards a six-month timeframe for service delivery, so surely it is shameful that many households are into their second year of waiting. I must commend the work that has been done to date and thank both Clar ICH and Mayo North East LEADER for doing their best under difficult circumstances without adequate resources.
“The measures included in the scheme include attic and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, and hot water cylinder lagging jacket. The criteria for applicants is that the applicant must be on fuel allowance, must own his/her own home, the house must be 10 years or older. The works are carried out at no cost to the householder. Applicants can still register with SEAI on 1800 250 204.”
