Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
242. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures the SEAI is taking to include works to old stone houses, many without foundations, under the warmer homes scheme given many are being refused any or most works due to structural issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16197/26]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) approach to old stone houses is determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating the National Standards Authority of Ireland's Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings.
As such, wall insulation is not recommended on dwellings built before 1940 which are constructed in stone, single-leaf masonry or composite wall construction.
However, under the Warmer Homes Scheme, all eligible homes are assessed and where they comprise stone, the SEAI will not insulate the stone walls, but will review, for example, a post-1940 extension present, which based on the determination of the surveyor may be deemed appropriate for insulation.
The rationale for this approach is that stone-built (traditional built) structures were designed to be vapour permeable. Therefore, the materials and techniques used in energy efficiency upgrades of such buildings must be suitable for the buildings in question, including for use with vapour permeable construction where applicable.
Replacement?of?windows in protected or traditional buildings is a complex issue. Alterations to, or the?removal of, historic?windows within protected structures or buildings in architectural conservation areas will require planning permission.
To support the appropriate upgrading of traditional buildings, a technical Guidance Document -?“Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” was published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This guidance is an important resource to the SEAI as well as the retrofit and wider construction industry in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrading of older, traditionally built buildings while ensuring compliance with the appropriate building regulations.
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 technical issues, materials, products, and installation costs of the types of solutions set out in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage guidance.
The pilot scheme is currently 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 and the network of One Stop Shops will be informed by the findings of the pilot scheme which are expected in 2026
