Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
328. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will reopen the grant for replacement of oil tanks and boilers that closed in August 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74429/25]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The scheme seeks to reduce the amount of energy a household needs by reducing heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replacing heating systems where required under Building Regulations. This is in line with the fabric first/energy efficiency first principle and best practice.
Until 31 December 2024, in order to comply with Building Regulations requirements where a major renovation is taking place under the scheme, a new gas or oil heating system could be recommended for installation and funded.
However, under the revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), Member States cannot provide financial incentives for the installation of stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels from 1 January 2025. Therefore, since January 1 2025, the SEAI does not recommend the installation of new stand-alone oil or gas boilers as an upgrade measure when surveying homes under this scheme.
Since 1 January, where a heating system upgrade is required under the Building Regulations for major renovations taking place under the scheme, the SEAI will instead assess the suitability of the home for a heat pump, and other renewable heating technologies, which are compliant with the EPBD. Homes surveyed and recommended for a boiler upgrade prior to 1 January are not affected by this change and planned works already communicated to homeowners, including boiler upgrades, will continue.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades recommended for a particular property depend on many factors, including age, size, type and the condition of the property. For each eligible home, the SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded. The SEAI is piloting the installation of renewable technologies, including heat pumps where major renovations are taking place under the scheme.
Government remains committed to ensuring that low-income households benefit from Ireland's renewable energy transition and will continue to explore how best to integrate other technologies into our energy poverty programmes.
