Written Answers Nos. 151-167
151. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for consideration for SEAI individual grants for new heating systems be used in conjunction with the local authority older person grant due to the high cost of new heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73070/25]
View answerMy Department funds a number of schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their dwellings and switch to renewable heating systems. These include: individual energy upgrade grants under the Better Energy Homes Scheme; the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, which provides an end-to-end service through One Stop Shops; and the Community Energy Grant Scheme, which supports energy efficiency upgrades undertaken as part of a community project. There are also fully funded upgrades for qualifying households available under the Warmer Homes scheme.
SEAI domestic retrofit programmes are available to all households wishing to undertake energy upgrades where the programme criteria are met.
Grant supports under the part-funded schemes are available for installing heat pumps in place of fossil fuel heating systems and, in recent years, a range of measures have been brought forward to improve the affordability of heat pump installation and incentivise take-up for homeowners, including:
• enhanced grant rates of up to €10,500 for heat pumps when a B2 energy rating is achieved;
• a reduction in the VAT rate to 9% that applies to heat pumps;
• the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, launched last year with new lenders joining in 2025, is now enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 2.99%;
• amending the construction rule for grant support for heat pumps to include homes built and occupied before 2021;
• two pilots aimed at informing approaches to increase the number of heat pumps installed;
• changes to the SEAI scheme rules to make the process of accessing heat pump grants easier for homeowners; and
• measures to expand the supply chain.
With regard to the fully funded Warmer Homes scheme, where a heating system upgrade is required as part of a major renovation, the SEAI will assess the suitability of the home for a heat pump, or other renewable heating technologies, which are compliant with the revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
The grant schemes provided by the SEAI are reviewed on a regular basis taking account of the overarching need to grow the home upgrade sector, as well as being informed by ongoing pilots such as the Traditional Homes Pilot and the Warmer Homes Heat Pump Pilot.
152. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when fossil fuels will be phased out in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72884/25]
View answerThe Government recognises that our reliance on fossil fuels is incompatible with the Paris Agreement and a low-carbon future. Ireland supports measures that reinforce and advance our transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and will promote and support measures at international level which avoid locking in further long-term fossil fuel consumption.
While there is currently no definitive timeline for the removal of fossil fuels from our energy sector, much is being done to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, commits to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050. In the Programme for Government we also set out our commitment to achieving 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 and to take all necessary action to ensure and protect Ireland’s energy security. It is through delivering on this commitment that we are delivering and will continue deliver a secure and sustainable energy future.
International collaboration is key to achieving the widespread, transformative change needed to tackle climate change. Ireland will have a key role at COP31 in ensuring that the EU speaks with one voice and continues to drive global ambition on fossil fuel phase out.
153. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his proposals to support consumers financially burdened by rising energy prices. [72994/25]
View answer163. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the information he received from his officials regarding the impact of the withdrawal of energy credits on the number of people living in arrears; his reasoning for withdrawing the credits in this context; the steps he is taking to reduce the number of people in arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72817/25]
View answer166. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will take any new measures to reduce or offset energy costs for households in light of the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72886/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 163 and 166 together.
In recent years, Government introduced a suite of measures to help households and businesses deal with higher energy costs. This included the provision of electricity credits to households worth €1,500 over four credit schemes, with a total cost of €3.3 billion. These universal credits were always envisaged as temporary, emergency measures because, while necessary at the time, they are not fiscally sustainable nor do they address the structural drivers of high energy costs.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was established in June of this year to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the taskforce, which was published last month, set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. Many of these options were reflected in Budget decisions. Examples of targeted Budget measures aimed at improving energy affordability include:
• the Fuel Allowance increasing by €5 per week to €38, supporting over 450,000 households who most require Government assistance to meet their energy costs;
• to directly support working families, the Fuel Allowance has been extended to recipients of the Working Family Payment. This will benefit over 43,000 families;
• from September 2026, those who move from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to employment will be able to retain the Fuel Allowance for five years; and
• record funding of €558 million is being allocated for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including the solar PV scheme) in 2026. This allocation will support the highest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme, which is targeted at households in energy poverty.
In addition, the VAT reduction (from 13.5% to 9%) on electricity and gas bills has been extended to the end of 2030, saving households up to €100 per year.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills. There are also a range of CRU customer protections are in place, including disconnection moratoria.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce is now preparing an engagement and consultation process to inform the development of an action plan to be published mid-2026.
155. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason Ireland is still behind in its offshore wind energy generated electricity in comparison with 20 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63293/25]
View answerGovernment remains committed to the development of 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity with projects in construction by 2030 and energised as soon as feasible thereafter.
Much work has been done on setting the right regulatory and policy background for the achievement of our ambitious offshore wind targets.
The Maritime Area Planning Act, which established a new framework for the planning and regulation of development and activities within Ireland's maritime area, was enacted in 2021. Subsequently, the Maritime Area Consents (MACs) for six offshore wind projects were issued in 2022. Ireland's first offshore wind auction, ORESS 1, was held in May 2023. In addition, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority was established in July 2023.
Our offshore ambitions were set out in detail in our Phase Two Policy Statement published in 2023, while the Future Framework published in 2024 identified targets of 20 GW by 2040 and up to 37 GW by 2050, with a range of actions to support achievement of these targets. The initial 5 GW target has been reiterated in the Climate Action Plan 2025 and in the Programme for Government.
Five offshore wind projects are presently in development off our east coast. These include three projects with support contracts arising from our 2023 auction, and two projects pursuing a merchant route to market through corporate power purchase agreements. Collectively, the five projects account for 3.8 GW, more than half of our current peak electricity demand. The five projects are anticipating a planning determination from An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2026. Subject to planning consent, I would anticipate that the projects will be in construction by 2030 and operational by 2031/32.
On 26 November, I was delighted to announce ESB and Orsted as the provisional winners of my Department's second offshore wind auction, the 900 MW Tonn Nua site in the South Coast DMAP. Subject to planning consent, I anticipate that this project will connect to the grid in 2033.
I am making arrangements to bring the remaining three South Coast DMAP sites to auction, which will add a further 4 GW. A further pipeline of development sites within the National DMAP will follow from 2028 onwards.
156. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he will introduce legislation creating a not-for-profit mandate for the Electricity Supply Board. [73224/25]
View answerESB is a commercial State body, under the aegis of my Department, established under the Electricity Supply Act 1927. ESB is a body corporate, and a separate legal entity to the Department.
There are no plans to introduce legislation in relation to ESB’s mandate.
158. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he plans to expand the deposit return scheme. [72999/25]
View answerThe Deposit Return Scheme, or DRS, was introduced in February 2024 to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and cans and to deliver on our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those products.
Provisions relating to review of the operation and scope of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) are set down in the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations (S.I. No. 33 of 2024).
The Regulations require Re-turn, in its role as an approved body under the scheme, to "advise the Minister of any developments in the area of waste management which in the opinion of the approved body could improve the effectiveness of the scheme including the potential future benefits of such a scheme for other materials." To date, the company has not advised of such developments.
While demonstrating strong performance, the scheme is still in its establishment phase. Until the targets required of Ireland for the separate collection and recycling of plastic bottles under the Single Use Plastics Directive are met, those materials must remain the priority focus for the scheme.
159. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment following the publication of the review of Storm Éowyn, if his Department is undertaking any work in progressing recommendation 4.8.6, focused on 'further exploration of the area of vulnerability, the identification of vulnerable persons” in relation to supporting vulnerable people during electricity outages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72582/25]
View answerThe Storm Éowyn Review does contain a recommendation around vulnerable persons, although definitive recommendations or actions on this issue were not assigned to any individual Departments. The Review states that this is a complex and nuanced matter which requires further exploration and discussion through the GTF on Emergency Planning. My Department will be engaging in that work with our colleagues across Government.
Current guidelines from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) outline extra protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers. Customers can self-register with their energy supplier if they are critically dependent on medical equipment or life protecting devices. They can also register if they are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
During an emergency, vulnerable customers registered with ESB Networks (ESB-N) are prioritised for support through protocols aiming to ensure safety and well-being. ESB-N maintains a register and coordinates with electricity suppliers and relevant agencies to provide timely information, early warnings and, where possible, prioritised restoration of supply. While supply restoration cannot be guaranteed, these measures help to mitigate the increased risks for those most vulnerable during emergency situations.
Medically vulnerable customers who use electrically powered medical devices are advised to have alternative arrangements in place such as fully charged battery backup or have a plan to move to another location if required during an emergency. Vulnerable customers are advised to discuss such arrangements with the district nurse or HSE representative regarding how their medical equipment works.
Where ESB-N personnel come across vulnerable people in the course of their work, or where contact cannot be made with a registered vulnerable customer, ESB-N can escalate these cases to other agencies including the HSE, An Garda Síochána, and emergency services, through the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) Humanitarian Subgroup.
The Review also noted the important role that Emergency Hubs played in providing basic humanitarian assistance to vulnerable persons during Storm Éowyn. This concept has now been formalised by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the development of a Community Support Centre Activation Guide which sets out how these centres should be activated and operated throughout emergencies.
160. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of homes retrofitted under SEAI schemes in Cork in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025; the total funding allocated; if additional resources will be provided to reduce waiting times for schemes such as the warmer homes scheme that have considerable delays presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71899/25]
View answerMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their buildings, and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems.
There has been significant investment and year-on-year growth in home energy upgrades under the National Retrofit Plan, with capital expenditure of over €1.6 billion since 2019 and over 239,000 home energy upgrades supported to end November 2025. This includes over 32,000 fully funded retrofits under the Warmer Home Schemes.
The total number of homes retrofitted under SEAI schemes in 2023 was 47,953, and in 2024 was 53,984. From January to end November 2025, 52,415 upgrades have been completed, representing sustained and significant increases each year. The most recently published statistics for SEAI residential and community energy retrofit programmes by scheme, county, measure type, and more can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/home-upgrades
Budget 2026 provided record funding of €558 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes. This is an increase of €89 million on the Budget 2025 allocation to support delivery of the National Retrofit Plan.
This funding is expected to be further supplemented with additional funding, such as an allocation from the European Regional Development Fund, which will provide for an increase in the allocation for the Warmer Home Scheme. These allocations will be published as part of the REV.
The average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, to date in 2025 was 21 months for the worst performing homes and 22 months for better performing homes. The represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
The reduction in waiting times follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme; a significantly increased budget allocation; active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
Importantly, the SEAI have recently launched a tender to establish a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Q2 next year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of fully funded energy upgrades and thereby minimise waiting times.
161. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagement his Department has had with the CRU and other stakeholders about lowering the retail price of electricity to homeowners and businesses in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73003/25]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges, is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. Within a competitive environment, providers also have costs such as staffing, tax, infrastructure, and cost of network tariffs which in turn affects end users’ bills.
As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics, including energy prices, on a regular basis. On 26 September 2025, I met with the four biggest energy suppliers in Ireland in relation to announcements on price increases and supports for households this Winter. My officials also meet with suppliers and the CRU on a regular basis. While price setting is ultimately a matter for the suppliers themselves, a key message to them is the critical importance of prices being reduced as soon as possible.
My Department has established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The taskforce's first report set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
162. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will expand the definition of "vulnerable customer" when it comes to energy to include financial vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71563/25]
View answerThe definition of Vulnerable Customers is currently set out in Regulation 2 of Statutory Instrument 463/2011. Under this Regulation, energy suppliers must establish and maintain:
• a Priority Services Register of customers critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which shall include but is not limited to life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment; and
• a Special Services Register of customers particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) sets out the minimum service requirements, including customer protection measures, that energy suppliers must adhere to in their dealings with energy customers in the CRU Supplier Handbook. This places a requirement on suppliers to develop a Code of Practice for Vulnerable Customers. These rules are in place to ensure that customers experience a high standard of protection when interacting with energy suppliers.
The customer protections are complemented by the supplier led Energy Engage Code that provides a further level of security for domestic electricity and gas customers. This Code encourages customers, who are having difficulty in paying a bill, to engage with their supplier regarding the management of debt. Under this code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them and must provide every opportunity to customers to avoid disconnection.
The ESRI, as part of the Energy Policy Research Centre, is conducting research to improve the measurement and monitoring of energy poverty in Ireland and provide insights that enhance policy design to protect vulnerable households. The ESRI research programme will lead to the development of a more effective way of measuring energy poverty that combines income, expenditure on energy, and energy efficiency of the home. This research programme, which is funded by my Department, is expected to run until June 2026. Key elements of the work plan include the identification of vulnerable populations, and the factors that increase the risk of falling into energy poverty.
164. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on waste management in Ireland, and the importance of the circular economy. [72998/25]
View answerIn line with the evolution of EU and UN environmental policy, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy was published in September 2020. The first Circular Economy Strategy and the Circular Economy Programme were published in November 2021, and in July 2022 the Circular Economy Act completed its passage through the Oireachtas.
Over the past number of years, we have put in place the necessary policy and regulatory framework required for a successful circular transition. Now that the policy and regulatory framework is in place, I intend to build on that momentum.
We have taken significant steps to drive the necessary improvements in our waste segregation practices which will form a major part of our efforts to meet forthcoming EU waste recycling targets. These include incentivised charging for the commercial sector, the roll-out of a national biowaste collection service, levies that will encourage more segregation, recycling and re-use, a new Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan, and the introduction of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
The second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy, which was recently subject to a public consultation, makes the business case for the circular economy setting a holistic vision, supporting practices such as eco-design, repair, reuse and remanufacturing. It will provide for incentives that will create a level playing field for circular economy actors, practices and products, and leverage public procurement to create a market for circular products and practices.
My officials are now reviewing the submissions made with a view to publishing the Strategy early next year.
165. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to remove bureaucracy and red tape for the progress of infrastructural developments, such as wind and solar energy projects, designed to assist in meeting climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73218/25]
View answerMy Department chairs the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) and the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARET) which bring together the key stakeholders, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the regulators, CRU and MARA, to ensure a cohesive approach to policymaking, designed to reduce the barriers facing renewable electricity generation projects. The 2025/26 Key Actions for the OWDT and ARET were published in June and July.
Under the aegis of the ARET, a number of dedicated working groups operate to ensure that permitting processes and spatial planning for renewables meet the requirements of relevant EU Regulations/Directives including the Renewable Energy Directive as well as ensuring that the statutory planning policy hierarchy supports the delivery of the national renewable electricity targets for onshore wind and solar PV. The Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage has responsibility for planning matters.
In September, the Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House was established to build on the work of the OWDT and directly address identified barriers to the delivery of our offshore renewable energy sector.
In addition, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation established the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce in May this year, to support the unblocking of barriers and accelerating infrastructure delivery. On 3 December, Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan to help drive the efficient delivery of infrastructure across Ireland, which includes 30 actions designed to remove barriers. This report will support the work of the ARET and the Offshore Wind Clearing House and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment will furthermore support its delivery.
167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his Department's role in the implementation of the national biomethane strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72990/25]
View answerDelivery of the Government's ambitious target for indigenous biomethane production by 2030, and its use within our energy system, will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits for Ireland’s economy, energy security and emissions profile. As such, development of the industry will require a coherent and collaborative approach to policy implementation across all sectors, including energy, agriculture and enterprise.
The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to support development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Chaired by my Department, with close support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress and is comprised of a number of focused sub-groups, namely Industry; Sustainability; Infrastructure and Economic Issues. Membership of the group includes key Government Departments and Agencies, and industry representatives.
The Group continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to monitor implementation and a full progress report on delivery of actions within the National Biomethane Strategy is now published on the biomethane policy information page on the Gov.ie website.
