I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
My Department funds a number of schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. These include SEAI part-funded schemes as well as free energy upgrades through the fully-funded Warmer Homes Scheme.
Heat pumps are one of the most challenging technologies to implement at scale. Upfront costs and ancillary works can be seen as obstacles. We are addressing these issues under the National Residential Retrofit Plan. Capital expenditure of over €1.7 billion has delivered over 257,500 home energy upgrades from 2019 to end Q1 2026. In addition, close to 28,000 heat pumps were installed in the period 2019 to 2025 under SEAI and Local Authority retrofit schemes.
In Budget 2026, the Government provided a record allocation of €640 million to support the new and enhanced measures I announced in January 2026. These are making retrofitting supports more accessible and affordable. Latest data from the SEAI shows 29,000 applications in Quarter 1 2026, an almost doubling of applications year-on-year, including over 7,000 applications for window and door upgrades (new grants) and an almost 19% year-on-year increase in heat pump installations.
To qualify for the heat pump and/or the windows and doors grants, the building fabric must meet a specified minimum performance standard. Many homes will already meet this standard. The application processes to follow are set out on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/individual-grants. Information on the BER methodology can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/ber/understand-a-ber-rating
To test the performance of heat pumps in homes with a higher level of heat loss than is currently required by SEAI for grant support, SEAI are running two pilots: the Residential Heat Pump & Heat Loss Indicator Research Pilot and the R290 High Temperature Heat Pump pilot (HTHP). Homeowners interested in participating in these pilots can find more information on the SEAI website:
• www.seai.ie/pilot-projects
• www.seai.ie/contractors-and-suppliers/support-for-one-stop-shop/high-temperature-heat-pump-pilot.
Recognising that traditional buildings require special consideration, homeowners carrying out insulation works can apply for grant support via the Traditional Homes Pilot scheme: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/traditional-homes. The pilot is gathering data on technical issues, materials, and costs of the types of solutions set out in the DHLGH guidance:” Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Specifiers and Installers.”
The collection of the specific data sought by the Deputy is an operational matter for the SEAI. It is suggested the Deputy contact the SEAI directly in relation to this. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
My Department and SEAI will continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
