Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
24. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if, in circumstances in which a home is unsuitable for a heat pump, the alternative grant support available to householders in respect of boiler replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23094/26]
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 the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements.
Under the revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), Member States cannot provide financial incentives for the installation of new stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels from 1 January 2025. Therefore, since 1 January 2025, the SEAI cannot recommend the installation of new stand-alone oil or gas boilers as an upgrade measure when surveying homes under the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Homes which were surveyed and recommended for boiler upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme prior to 1 January 2025 are not affected by this change and planned works already communicated to homeowners, including boiler upgrades, will continue.
The SEAI is currently undertaking pilot programs regarding heat pumps and other renewable heating systems, to improve energy efficiency in homes that may currently be unsuitable for a heat pump.
The Government has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The DSP's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/
• The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by Local Authorities. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/
These schemes would also be unable to provide for the installation of new stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels from 1 January 2025 due to the EPBD. However, these schemes may be able to fund the repair of an existing fossil fuel boiler or provide for a non-fossil fuel heating system such as electric or biomass heating solutions, provided they are a suitable option given applicant’s circumstances.
