Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
264. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he will outline any supports, schemes or interventions available in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15657/26]
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. The schemes 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.
The SEAI operate their schemes within a specified governance framework with a set of rules determining eligibility for grant support. This includes ensuring that the contractor is registered for the type of work that they are carrying out and have grant approval in place before works commence.
The general rule is that all homeowners of dwellings built and occupied before 2011 are eligible for the schemes (pre-2021 for solar PV and heat pumps) - see section 4.1 of the Better Energy Homes Homeowner Application Guide Homeowner-Application-Guide.pdf in this regard. Hence, new constructions are not eligible.
This is because new homes are required to meet modern standards of energy efficiency as specified in the Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) requirements for new dwellings which were introduced into the Building Regulations at Part L. Grant funding to improve energy performance is available for existing homes because these homes are not required to meet the most up to date NZEB Building Regulations.
Following Government approval last month, I have published a new National Residential Retrofit Plan with an enhanced set of measures to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades. The new measures announced include new and enhanced attic and cavity wall insulation grants, an enhanced heat pump system grant, as well as grants for windows and doors, in line with eligibility requirements and scheme terms and conditions.
Homeowners can check eligibility on the new grants on the SEAI website at: Energy Efficient Homes - Home Energy Upgrades And Grants | SEAI or by contacting the SEAI via email at: info@betterenergyhomes.ie
