Written Answers Nos. 88-99
88. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated Exchequer cost of fuel related subsidies and energy support schemes introduced in 2025 and 2026 within his Department’s remit; to provide a comparison with the level of funding allocated over the same period to decarbonisation measures and fossil fuel phase out initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32465/26]
View answerMy Department has not introduced any fuel related subsidies in 2025 or 2026.
My Department has made allocations under various Programme areas across the Department to facilitate energy transformation actions. These Programmes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI), such as Residential/Community Retrofit and other Energy Efficiency Programmes, will all assist with the decarbonisation and fossil fuel phase out in line with our climate change objectives.
The table below sets out the allocations to the SEAI Programme areas for the years 2025 and 2026.
|
|
|
2025 |
2026 |
|
Programme Title |
Programme Description |
Total €000 |
Total €000 |
|
Residential / Community Retrofit |
Exchequer funding for grants and operational costs for Residential and Community Energy retrofit programmes administered through the SEAI. The grants support residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV Scheme thereby assist homes in improving their energy efficiency and decarbonising their homes. |
566,870 |
583,265 |
|
Other Energy Efficiency Programmes |
Exchequer funding for the various public and business sector energy efficiency programmes / schemes administered through the SEAI. These schemes support businesses and public bodies in increasing energy efficiency and lowering carbon emissions |
43,370 |
58,090 |
|
Other Energy Programmes (National & International) |
Exchequer funding for the procurement of external specialist services aimed at providing of high-quality strategic support and analytical & related services to facilitate the delivery of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and maximising the potential of offshore renewable energy beyond 2030 |
6,160 |
14,201 |
Information regarding tax measures, incentives, and fuel support schemes should be directed to the relevant Ministers and their respective Departments.
90. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current average processing time for traditional homes pilot applications once a full application has been submitted to SEAI; the number of applications currently awaiting assessment under the scheme; his plans to improve processing times; if there is a need for increased resources to deal with the number of applications under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32846/26]
View answer91. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the SEAI plans to publish a report or data outlining clear timelines and processing data for the traditional homes pilot scheme; the way in which his Department is monitoring the processing of applications and whether he is concerned that delays are dissuading homeowners from proceeding with retrofit projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32847/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve energy efficiency, and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems.
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 the types of solutions set out in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage guidance, Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Specifiers and Installers.
The pilot scheme is available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which provides an end-to-end service for homeowners.
Under this pilot, upgrades are delivered through registered One Stop Shops, supported by a home-owner appointed qualified traditional building professional. Grant supports are at the same level as those under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme – as outlined on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop.
The information sought is an operational matter for the SEAI, an agency under the aegis of the Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the SEAI directly in relation to this matter. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
92. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to consider the implementation of a financial grant to allow older people to upgrade their heating system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32875/26]
View answerEnsuring fairness to all and supporting a just transition are key principles underpinning the Government’s new National Residential Retrofit Plan, published at end January 2026. The Government is committed to driving increased retrofitting and home energy upgrades, as part of the plan and as set out in the Programme for Government. This includes improving the provision of grants and financing models, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs.
Recognising that barriers such as high upfront costs still exist and that costs have risen since 2022 when grants were last increased, the new measures and increased grants announced in January are aimed at making it easier for all homeowners to undertake highly cost-effective, high impact, attic and cavity wall insulation measures as well as deeper retrofits on a phased basis to suit budgets. A specific higher grant for attic insulation was also introduced for first time buyers of existing homes.
The grants amounts include:
• up to €4,000 for windows, and up to €1,600 for doors;
• up to €2,500 for attic insulation;
• up to €8,000 for wall insulation, including internal, external and cavity; and
• up to €12,500 for heat pump systems, and up to €700 for heating controls.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is also currently working with Age Friendly Ireland to support older people to access energy upgrades including solar PV through the Healthy Age Friendly Homes (HAFH) Pilot Programme and the Community Energy Grant (CEG) Programme. This initiative is designed to address barriers such as awareness, administrative complexity and upfront costs by providing tailored energy advice, hands on coordination support and access to the full range of retrofit measures, not limited to solar PV alone.
The HAFH Programme is being deployed nationwide and provides energy advice and upgrades by working closely with Local Authority Age Friendly Ireland coordinators and CEG Programme project coordinators to identify and support older homeowners, including those who face affordability constraints. Through this work, the SEAI continues to assess barriers to uptake, the adequacy of existing grant levels, and the needs of homeowners, with learnings from this work informing the ongoing development of targeted supports, delivery models and financing options to improve access to energy upgrades for older people across Ireland.
The 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 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 (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 eligible DSP payments are:
• Fuel Allowance;
• Job Seeker’s Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7;
• Working Family Payment (previously the Family Income Supplement);
• One Parent Family Payment;
• Domiciliary Care Allowance;
• Carer’s Allowance (where you live with the person you are caring for); and
• Disability Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7.
The scheme supported 8,139 fully funded energy upgrades in 2025. An increase of 5% on 2024 and 109% of the 2025 target.
From 2019 to end 2025, €827 million has been invested under the Warmer Homes Scheme, upgrading 32,754 homes.
Budget 2026 has provided record funding of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 fully funded home upgrades for 2026.
It is worth noting the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants includes the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and apportionment is the responsibility of Local Authorities. More information on the suite of grants can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
Working in conjunction with the SEAI grants, the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is also enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 2.99%.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce, was formed to identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households.
The Taskforce is now leading the response to the energy shock, and the immediate associated energy affordability challenge (with an initial focus – reflecting wider recommendations from both the EU and IEA – on demand measures to reduce energy use and make costs more affordable for households and businesses), as well as preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and the continued development of the SEAI's retrofit schemes, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
93. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps taken to prevent an inflationary effect on the cost of home energy upgrades arising out of grant increases and to ensure that the benefit of the grants continues to be felt by consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33207/26]
View answerGovernment has in place a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake energy upgrades for warmer, healthier homes with lower energy bills. This includes the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) part-funded schemes as well as fully funded energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Working in conjunction with SEAI grants, the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 2.99%.
Capital expenditure of over €1.7 billion has delivered over 257,500 home energy upgrades from 2019 to end Q1 2026. The almost doubling of applications so far in 2026 (year-on-year) means that the SEAI processed 29,000 applications from January to March.
Grant amounts include:
• up to €4,000 for windows, and up to €1,600 for doors;
• up to €2,500 for attic insulation;
• up to €8,000 for wall insulation, including internal, external and cavity; and
• up to €12,500 for heat pump systems, and up to €700 for heating controls.
Recognising that barriers such as high upfront costs still exist and that costs have risen since 2022 when grants were last increased, the new measures and increased grants announced in January are aimed at making it easier for homeowners to undertake highly cost-effective, high impact, attic and cavity wall insulation measures as well as deeper retrofits on a phased basis to suit budgets. A specific higher grant for attic insulation was also introduced for first time buyers of existing homes.
The grant rates will be kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology, value for money and other relevant factors.
94. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total number of smart meters installed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33229/26]
View answerThe National Smart Metering Programme is overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks delivering the electricity smart meter rollout. The CRU, and ESB Networks have contact email addresses for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern or seek updates on the National Smart Metering Programme (respectively, they are: oireachtas@cru.ie and oireachtas@esb.ie).
Notwithstanding this, I am advised that over 2.1 million smart meters have been installed in homes and businesses across the country with 97% of those meters communicating data daily (above that achieved in many jurisdictions). These provide customers with improved services, including new types of tariffs that can help customers save money. The next stage of Ireland’s smart metering policy is to leverage the capability of the meters installed across Ireland, in conjunction with other smart technology and renewable energy infrastructure, to provide benefits for household living conditions, energy efficiency and demand flexibility.
95. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether any policy options have been examined by his Department to address potential regional disparities arising from electricity standing charge structures; and if so, to outline those options and any decisions taken. [33276/26]
View answer96. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the funding that has been allocated to research and development in tidal energy under his Departments' remit over the past five years. [33308/26]
View answerMy Department provides funding streams for numerous research and development into renewable energy technologies both onshore and offshore, including the SEAI’s National Energy RD&D Funding Programme, which provides up to a maximum of €1,250,000 in funding for projects each year. This programme welcomes research proposals from all research disciplines and does not target specific technologies, like tidal energy. The successful applicants for funding in previous years are available on the SEAI’s website.
In addition to this, the SEAI and Marine Institute fund several research projects related to ocean energy. My Department does not keep a comprehensive list of all funded projects but these agencies should be able to provide the information on any funded tidal projects.
My Department also provides funding to support test sites, including the LiR National Ocean Test Facility in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. This facility provides for indoor testing of small to medium scale testing of ocean energy technologies, which includes tidal energy devices. Again, research and development here is not restricted to tidal energy and includes various related ocean energy technologies such as wave energy, floating offshore wind, etc.
My Department does not currently directly provide any funding specific to tidal energy as research and development for ocean energy is focused more broadly to assess numerous emerging technologies, with an emphasis on viability and affordability. As such, we do not have specific figures for the amount of funding provided to tidal energy, but we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities for researchers and developers in this area to access funding going forward.
97. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the current phase of Just Transition Funding will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33338/26]
View answer98. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there will be another phase of Just Transition Funding; if so, if will outline the timeframe for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33339/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.
The EU Just Transition Fund has committed a total of €169m through Government and EU co-funding to support the communities most negatively affected by the move away from fossil fuels and the cessation of commercial peat extraction. To date, 15 funding calls have been completed under the Programme with over €120m provided to more than 170 projects under signed grant agreement in the wider Midlands area. These figures will continue to be updated as further grant agreements are finalised.
Following an Expression of Interest stage which ran between February and March 2026, a closed funding call for Local Authorities commenced on 28 April 2026 under the Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) scheme. This call is anticipated to be the final funding call under the EU JTF Programme.
The START scheme, administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, represents an investment of €30 million into the Midlands EU Just Transition Territory focussed on local climate action. This funding underpins the continued commitment of Government to local climate action and recognises the key role of local authorities in supporting communities as we transition to a climate neutral economy.
This new scheme will further support the climate transition and overall resilience of the Just Transition Territory by supporting projects contained within Local Authority Climate Action Plans. The types of projects that may be funded under this scheme include renewable energy projects, energy efficiency works, rehabilitation of contaminated land such as former landfills, and investment in sustainable transport infrastructure in their local area.
Local authorities in the region will lead the delivery of these projects, from identifying local priorities and applying for funding to working with community partners on implementation. They may partner with community groups, NGOs and other organisations.
The deadline for Local Authorities to submit applications for capital works projects under this scheme is 2 June while the deadlines for Local Authorities to submit applications for feasibility studies is 30 June. Further information on the scheme is available on the Pobal website: www.pobal.ie/programmes/eujtf-start/.
99. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a detailed breakdown of all gifts received in his capacity as Minister; the nature of these gifts and potential monetary value; the procedures followed in accepting gifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33375/26]
View answerAs part of Ministerial or Government of Ireland engagements with other jurisdictions, I occasionally accept, as a courtesy to the host, token or symbolic gifts of nominal value.
Items that fall into this category are outlined below:
|
Date |
Item |
Value |
|
Dec 2025 |
Paperweight |
Nominal |
|
Dec 2025 |
Book |
Nominal |
|
Dec 2025 |
Mini ornament |
Nominal |
I and my office ensure that any gifts received are managed in accordance with all relevant Oireachtas Codes of Conduct and SIPO guidelines which can be found at: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1995/act/22/section/2/enacted/en/html.
