Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
20. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the recent changes to the local authority housing adaptation grants regarding central heating systems, and to allow the grant to fund the replacement of new oil or gas boilers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34599/25]
View answerMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority.
The European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2024 transposes into Irish law Article 17(15) of Directive 2024/1275 of the European Parliament on the energy performance of buildings. The Regulations provide that from the 1 January 2025 public bodies shall not provide any financial incentives for the installation of stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels, other than those already approved under EU funds.
As a result, grants under the Housing Aid for Older People Grant scheme can no longer be provided for the installation of new stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels. The grant scheme is still available for applications in respect of costs relating to the repair of an existing fossil fuel boiler, or the purchase and installation of a second hand fossil fuel boiler by a qualified contractor.
Grants under the scheme may also be paid in respect of the repair or replacement of all other parts of a central heating system such as new radiators, oil tanks or pipework, regardless of connection to an existing fossil fuel boiler. Grants continue to be paid in respect of non fossil fuel heating such as electric or biomass heating solutions, for example wall mounted electric heaters or wood pellet stoves, provided they are a suitable option given applicant’s circumstances. The detailed administration of the schemes is the responsibility of local authorities, therefore the qualifying works is a matter for consideration and decision on a case-by-case basis by the local authority within the scope of the grant scheme.
