Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
173. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the additional staffing and administrative resources allocated to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to support delivery of the Traditional Homes Pilot in the context of increased demand for retrofit supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33803/26]
View answerMy 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 (TBP). 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 administration and management of the schemes, as well as the assignment of staff to particular work areas, is an operational matter for the SEAI.
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].
