Written Answers Nos. 281-293
281. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number and proportion of domestic electricity and gas customers in arrears who are currently on formal repayment plans, broken down by fuel type; the latest date for which data is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29710/26]
View answerRegulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation. However, officials from my Department correspond with the CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets.
The CRU regularly provides market monitoring data to my Department including data on estimated annual bills for households; the number of households in payment arrears on their electricity and gas bills; the number of disconnections; and the number of customers switching energy supplier. The data provided is an overall figure and does not outline information for those on a repayment plan.
As arrears data operates with a time lag due to the way suppliers report these figures to the CRU, the latest arrear data is for February 2026. The data shows that there are currently 316,838 and 179,439 customers in arrears for electricity and gas (respectively). Of these, 191,374 electricity and 147,469 gas customers were in arrears for over 90 days.
The CRU is currently reviewing its market monitoring framework through which suppliers provide monthly data which feeds into the CRU's published reports and policy. The review of the framework aims to provide more granular information to gain a better understanding of the numbers of customers who may be in more distress and in need of support with their debt. This work is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The Deputy may wish to engage directly with the CRU in relation to the matters raised. The CRU provides a dedicated email address, oireachtas@cru.ie, for Oireachtas members which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters.
282. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason solar PV is not included as a standard measure under the warmer homes scheme; whether this is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29711/26]
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 revenues 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 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 scheme follows a fabric-first approach, prioritising installation and ventilation to reduce heat loss before replacing heating systems in line with building regulations and best practice. At present, solar PV is not offered as a standard upgrade under the scheme. However, the SEAI is piloting the installation of renewable technologies including heat pumps and, in a small number of cases, solar PV where major renovations are taking place. As at end of March 2026, 70 Warmer Homes Scheme homes have received solar PV measures through the renewables pilot.
The renewables pilot is helping to assess the suitability of such technologies in the context of energy poverty. Measures available under the scheme are kept under ongoing review and my Department continues to work closely with the SEAI to ensure we maximise scheme output.
Homes built before 2011 are eligible for part-funded solar PV grants under separate SEAI programmes. My Department remains committed to ensuring that low-income households benefit from Ireland's renewable energy transition and will continue to explore how best to integrate solar and other technologies into our energy poverty programmes.
My Department formed the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) last year to identify, assess and implement measures to further enhance energy affordability for households. The Taskforce is now leading the response to the energy shock, and the immediate associated energy affordability challenge. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and continued development of the SEAI retrofit schemes, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
283. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department or the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland intends to undertake a public information campaign on best practice for households using air-to-water heat pumps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29712/26]
View answerThe National Residential Retrofit Plan and new and enhanced measures announced in January 2026 have made retrofitting supports more accessible to households, such as by allowing homeowners to access windows and doors grants as part of individual measures and offering increased grant rates for insulation and heat pumps.
The Heat Pump System grant has been increased for a maximum total grant value of up to €12,500 and a grant of €6,500 is also available for replacement of an existing older heat pump where the eligibility criteria are met. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) also have three SEAI heat pump pilot schemes underway, to evaluate system performance, energy use, indoor comfort levels and heating patterns.
The SEAI has a dedicated budget to run focused marketing, communications and education campaigns. Since 2021, these comprise a combination of broad-based national awareness and more focussed campaigns targeting either specific audiences or technologies/grants through advertising, web and social media content, and educational material.
Every year these campaign activities direct people to the SEAI website where there is a host of resources to explain best use practices for heat pumps, including:
• What are heat pumps? (with subtitles) (www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpBK0HkU8yY)
• Heat Pumps | Home Energy Upgrades | SEAI www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-home/guide-to-upgrades/heat-pumps
The SEAI also participate in national and local events such as the Ideal Homes Show and the Ploughing Championship providing expertise on heat pumps to attendees.
The public helpline operated by the SEAI is also on hand to address queries related to best practices for heat pumps: www.seai.ie/about/contact-us.
These actions are paying off. Capital expenditure of over €1.7 billion has delivered over 257,500 home energy upgrades from 2019 to end Q1 2026. In the first quarter of 2026, the SEAI reported an almost 19% year-on-year increase in heat pump installations.
In 2026, a budget allocation of €640m has been provided for the SEAI residential and community schemes, targeting over 73,000 home energy upgrades, including 4,924 heat pumps.
284. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of projects in receipt of funding from the LIFE Programme in Dublin; if any Life Programme funding is being used to support coastal protection works in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29744/26]
View answerThe LIFE Programme is the EU’s dedicated funding instrument for environment and climate action. All funding under the Programme is awarded centrally by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) following a competitive application and independent evaluation process.
It is not always possible to disaggregate funding for large-scale national strategic projects to specific geographic areas such as Dublin. Two current major national projects, the MPA LIFE Ireland (€25 million) and LIFE SNaP Ireland (€33.9 million), are implemented on a national basis and deliver benefits across the country, including in the greater Dublin region. It is therefore not feasible to attribute a precise Dublin-specific share of these projects.
Separately, LIFE EMERALD coordinated by the EPA, a project with a total spend of approximately €1.6million, supported emissions modelling and air quality forecasting across Ireland. While this project had particular relevance to Dublin, it remains a national programme, making it difficult to attribute a precise Dublin-specific share.
Apart from these national initiatives, there are LIFE projects with a direct Dublin focus which have been successful recently in the LIFE Programme. The Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE project, led by South Dublin County Council has received approximately €1.3 million in LIFE co-funding to improve urban water quality through the identification and remediation of household misconnections and the construction of integrated wetlands.
The DIRECT LIFE project, coordinated by the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, received €219,680 in LIFE co-funding to deliver a modern and robust digital campaign for the Circular Economy, building on international best practice.
No LIFE Programme funding is currently being used to support coastal protection works such as hard engineering or traditional coastal defence infrastructure in Dublin. LIFE projects focus on nature restoration, biodiversity and climate adaptation rather than structural coastal protection measures and rarely funds Capital projects.
In Ireland, coastal protection is primarily a matter for the local authority concerned in the first instance. Local authorities (county and city councils) are responsible for the management of issues associated with coastal change and erosion within their administrative areas. While local authorities lead on works, the Office of Public Works (OPW) holds responsibility for technical assessments, coordinating, monitoring and mapping areas at risk. The OPW also administers the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Local Authorities are encouraged to apply for the LIFE Programme and will be supported to do so through the Ireland4LIFE project.
The National Contact Point for the LIFE Programme in my Department works to maximise Irish participation in the LIFE Programme and to support high-quality applications from all regions including Dublin.
285. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps being taken to increase investment in battery energy storage systems to enable greater utility of renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29958/26]
View answerBattery Electricity Storage Systems (BESS) are a vital element in Ireland's energy transition. There is now over 800MW of BESS connected to our grid, all of which have been installed since 2019. This capacity is now regularly providing up to 7.5% of our peak demand needs, time shifting renewable capacity and replacing the need to run expensive peaking plant to meet evening demand.
The Government does not directly invest in BESS but supports the development of Electricity Storage Systems through the 10 Government actions outlined in the Electricity Storage Policy Framework published by my Department in 2024. Delivery of these actions, with support from EirGrid, ESBN and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), will enable greater levels of investment into electricity storage and increase the amount of electricity storage in Ireland. In particular, Action 5 of the policy framework which states “Support(s) access to the wholesale electricity markets, arbitrage and revenue stacking for electricity storage systems.”
At present, the following revenues streams are available to electricity storage assets:
• the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism;
• the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS);
• system services contracts via the DS3 programme;
• system operator specific ‘Routes to Market’;
• Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPA’s); and
• better access to all the Wholesale Energy Markets (Arbitrage) via the recently introduced Schedule and Dispatch programme.
Further, a review of the tariff and network charging structure under the direction of the CRU has commenced, with a minded-to decision to remove volumetric (pass-through) charges for electricity storage systems out for public consultation. The removal of volumetric charges is expected to increase the amount of renewable energy incorporated on to the grid by maximising the capacity of electricity storage systems to time shift renewables between periods of oversupply and peak demand times. I have asked CRU to prioritise this work.
286. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 15 April 2026, if the reason is known for the volume of biomethane generated in Ireland declining in 2024 and 2025 compared to the peak in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29983/26]
View answerBiomethane production is still at an early stage of development in Ireland, with only two operational biomethane facilities injecting biomethane into the gas grid. During the course of 2025 one plant had equipment issues and also had a change of ownership resulting in the decline of biomethane generation over that period.
A number of plants are currently under construction, notably the Nephin Energy facility in Ballinrobe and the Carbon AMS plant in Duleek, while several others are at the various stages of the planning process.
Government is committed to supporting the development of a domestic biomethane industry of scale, and the Biomethane Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, continues to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and monitor target delivery. The Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) Scheme will drive demand for biomethane in the heating sector and stimulate domestic production of biomethane. The RHO Heads of Bill were approved by Government and drafting of the RHO legislation is currently underway. In addition, my Department is also in the initial stage of putting capital grants in place from 2026 to support the development of anaerobic digestion plants in Ireland.
288. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide details on all open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of his Department; the reason the infringement proceedings were initiated; the procedural stage of the infringement proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30262/26]
View answerWhere a Member State fails to fulfil their Treaty obligations, either by lack of transposition, incomplete transposition, or the incorrect application of EU law, the Commission may initiate an infringement procedure under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
The infringement procedure follows a structured sequence:
• the Commission issues a letter of formal notice, providing the Member State an opportunity to submit observations;
• if the matter remains unresolved, the Commission delivers a reasoned opinion specifying the breach and demanding compliance within a defined period;
• should the Member State fail to comply, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Infringement procedures carry significant implications beyond purely legal consequences. They may generate political sensitivities, impose reputational costs, and in cases reaching the Court of Justice, result in substantial financial penalties through lump sum payments and daily penalty payments.
Please see the attached file for details of my Department's current infringements.
|
Number |
Title |
Stage |
|
2012/4028 |
Directive 2003/35/EC with regard to public participation and access to justice |
Letter of Formal Notice |
|
2018/2030 |
Council Directive 2011/70 safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste |
Reasoned Opinion |
|
2019/4007 |
Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment |
Reasoned Opinion |
|
2022/2073 |
Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants |
Reasoned Opinion |
|
2024/0231 |
Directive 2023/2413 as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources (RED III). |
Reasoned Opinion |
|
2024/2130 |
Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). |
Letter of Formal Notice |
|
2025/0146 |
Directive (EU) 2024/1711 as regards improving the Union’s electricity market design. |
Letter of Formal Notice |
|
2025/2005 |
Directive 1999/31/EC ('the Landfill Directive') |
Letter of Formal Notice |
|
2025/0226 |
Directive 2023/2413 as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources (RED III). |
Letter of Formal Notice |
|
2025/0332 |
Directive (EU) 2023/1791 on energy efficiency and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 |
Letter of Formal Notice |
|
2025/2231 |
The Energy Charter Treaty |
Letter of Formal Notice |
289. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether homeowners in receipt of defective concrete blocks scheme funding remain fully eligible for SEAI grants for energy upgrades; if any restrictions or coordination measures are being introduced between local authorities and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30312/26]
View answerHomeowners of defective concrete blocks (DCB) affected homes are eligible to apply for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) home energy upgrade grants similar to other homeowners. Government has made a number of exemptions to the SEAI scheme rules for the DCB affected homes to account for their circumstances and to ensure that the rebuilt or renovated homes can be well insulated and heated with a heat pump.
The SEAI run a focused communications campaign in the affected regions to maximise awareness and uptake. These events provide an opportunity at community level for DCB homeowners to enquire about SEAI grants and how they could be accessed as part of their DCB remediation work. The SEAI are working closely with DCB community facilitators in affected areas.
The SEAI have a webpage dedicated to information for DCB homes, along with FAQs. This material has been developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to ensure key information is available to homeowners to support them in their efforts to decarbonise and insulate their remediated home: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/defective-concrete-blocks.
Homeowners can also contact the SEAI for further information at a dedicated DCB phone number 01-8082004 or by email at dcb@seai.ie.
290. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department is currently exploring plug-in solar development, and the positive possibilities that this may have for homeowners, especially given the current energy supply issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30342/26]
View answerPlug-in solar systems are very small PV energy systems, usually two or three modules and less than 1 kW in total per installation, which are connected to a micro-inverter and plugged directly into a normal household socket. This then feeds the house’s internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies or outdoor spaces.
The use of plug-in mini solar technology has grown in some EU countries in recent years as consumers search for ways to save on high energy bills. It has seen particular growth in Germany.
Officials from my Department engaged with stakeholders on the optional provisions in the 2024 Electricity Market Design Directive, including the provision relating to plug-in mini solar systems, through a consultation that ran from September to October 2024. Respondents to the consultation raised potential safety issues so it is important that the introduction of the technology is given appropriate consideration. Some form of regulation may be needed were plug-in mini solar to be promoted.
My officials are currently engaging with the relevant Agencies and Regulators, including with ESB Networks in its role as the system operator. My officials are also in contact with officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK in relation to the recently announced intention from the UK Government to regulate for the sale and use of plug-in mini solar systems. EU Guidance on the matter is also being considered.
291. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has conducted, commissioned, or reviewed any research into the likelihood of café and retail closures following the introduction of a levy on single-use cups, particularly in light of the large number of recent closures; if so, to outline the scope, methodology, and key conclusions of such research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30367/26]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question numbered 245 of 24 February 2026 which states:
Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of singe-use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.
In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).
Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single-use cup consumption effectively. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps.
Any future regulations will first be subject to a public consultation, and will include an SME test.
The position remains unchanged.
292. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of a recently introduced paper cup recycling initiative (details supplied) in Ranelagh endorsed by Dublin City Council; if he will consider exploring similar take-back schemes as an alternative to punitive measures such as levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30368/26]
View answerI can confirm that officials in the Department have been made aware of the paper cup recycling initiative in Ranelagh. The composition and condition of waste single beverage cups make the collection and recycling of these cups difficult for the waste treatment system. Reusing cups is a more sustainable option and preferred by the waste hierarchy embedded in EU and Irish law. Nonetheless, the Department will monitor the progress and outcomes of the Ranelagh initiative, along with reuse initiatives in our communities which support our wider efforts to promote sustainable consumption and reduce reliance on single-use products.
Furthermore, I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question numbered 245 of 24 February 2026 which states:
Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of single-use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.
In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).
Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single-use cup consumption effectively. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps.
Any future regulations will first be subject to a public consultation, and will include an SME test.
293. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the small-scale renewable electricity support scheme will continue to categorise farmers as SMEs; if not, if there are proposals to categorise farm holdings as a distinct category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30369/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for farmer-owned, community and SME, solar and wind projects.
My Department is committed to engaging farmers in renewable energy opportunities, fostering sustainable growth and economic diversification in rural Ireland.
The SRESS export tariff is designed for farmer, community and SME export only projects above 50kW to 6MW. SRESS offers a simpler route to market for those groups, with fixed tariffs for solar and wind. All export projects up to 1MW can also apply to SRESS, and need not be farmer, community and SME owned projects.
Farmers can apply to SRESS on their own, on the same basis as SMEs, or else as members of Renewable Energy Communities.
In February 2026, my Department commenced a review of the tariffs available under SRESS. This review is being undertaken to ensure the scheme continues to provide appropriate support.
Any tariff provided under SRESS cannot exceed the minimum required to aid the project, and any potential change to the rates provided to farmers, SMEs or Renewable Energy Communities (REC) applicants would have to be backed up with robust economic analysis.
The review is also evaluating the viability of a farmer-specific tariff, specifically examining whether a rate distinct from the existing SRESS SME tariff is necessary. The feasibility of such an approach will be determined as part of the review.
It is expected that the review will be completed later this year. Depending on the findings of the review, specific tariffs may be retained, modified or removed.
In the meantime, the existing SRESS rates continue to be available and apply until the review process is complete.
