Jen Cummins
Question:379. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to ensure that red brick houses are more energy efficient and to ensure they are covered by the SEAI scheme. [1601/26]
View answerTuesday, 13 January 2026
Questions (379)
Written answers
The Programme for Government 2025 commits to ramping up the achievement of retrofit targets through continued delivery of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) residential and community energy upgrade schemes. This includes revising and improving the provision of grants and financing models for homeowners who wish to retrofit to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs, and targeting older homes still using oil to switch to renewable heating systems. These commitments are framing the work underway by my Department on continued delivery and development of the SEAI's residential and community energy upgrade schemes.
In this regard, my Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the SEAI, to support homeowners, landlords and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to improve the energy efficiency of their dwellings. This includes SEAI part-funded schemes which offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades, as well as free energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the fully-funded Warmer Homes Scheme. The grants are available to all homeowners and landlords for a range of house types, including red brick properties.
It is important to note that the retrofit of certain buildings can raise complexities that require careful consideration. For example, the question may arise as to whether external wall insulation will materially affect the external appearance of the structure and whether planning permission is required. The relevant Planning Authority will be able to assist with this question.
Likewise, where traditional buildings are concerned, the materials and techniques used in energy efficiency upgrades must be suitable for the buildings in question, including for use with vapour permeable construction where applicable. This is to ensure that upgrade works don't create issues such as damp or mould.
In this regard, to support the appropriate upgrade of traditional buildings, the SEAI launched a pilot scheme for the retrofit of traditionally built homes in September 2024. The initial pilot is limited to 100 dwellings with the objective of gathering data on the types of solutions set out in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage guidance: Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Specifiers and Installers. The pilot scheme is available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which provides an end-to-end service for homeowners.
Any decisions to expand traditional home retrofits beyond the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will be informed by the final findings of the pilot scheme, which are expected as the retrofits start to be completed later this year.