Written Answers Nos. 1-30
10. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the supports his Department provides to help businesses reduce energy use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30056/26]
View answerMy Department, through schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the SEAI, provides a wide range of supports to businesses which can assist in reducing their energy use and energy costs. In 2025, 3,963 businesses received funding totalling over €41m from my Department, including grant support for solar PV, heat pumps, insulation, commercial EV fleets, community projects. clean heat technology and highly efficient plant and devices.
As well as grant supports we support businesses through 'The Energy Academy', which has 35 modules available with over 12,700 active members – the Energy Academy issued over 1400 certificates in 2025.
The Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) – an active network for expertise sharing among our largest energy users accounted for approx. 386 GWh saved across the network in 2025.
There has been a very strong uptake of grant supports provided to businesses through a variety of schemes and they are growing. The most recent data from the SEAI indicates that over 900 business received support in Q1 of 2026 alone, and the number of applications approved by the SEAI was up by 41% on last year. I have ensured that these schemes are fully funded to meet this level of demand and I have instructed the SEAI to consider what more can be done. The new ‘Easy Wins’ campaign, promoting the Business Energy Upgrade Scheme I launched last year, is live now and is working to drive uptake of rapid approval grants to businesses. Supports available include:
The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED)Scheme - this provides tailored capital grants to support organisations (business and public sector) for projects which are following the EXEED Certified Standard for Excellence in Energy Efficient Design. SEAI will work with businesses to make their processes more efficient, with bespoke advice and grant funding for a huge range of highly energy efficient equipment. In 2025, the Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) scheme completed 46 projects with an estimated saving of 7.1 ktCO2 and equating to €4.4m support provided.
The Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) - this provides support to fully cover the costs of a typical energy audit. The scheme enables businesses to rapidly identify energy saving measures, giving them a roadmap to save money, including no and low-cost steps that can be taken immediately. It is open to all public and private sector organisations that are not already required to carry out an energy audit under the Energy Efficiency Directive. In 2025 there were 1,550 Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) vouchers redeemed. This equates to 4m support provided to businesses.
The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS) - this has been designed for greater accessibility to support small and medium enterprises in Ireland – it can give grant approval for a range of ‘off the shelf’ supports in as little as 15 minutes. This scheme is open to all businesses, public sectors bodies, societies and charities and has been growing rapidly since I launched it last year. In 2025,182 applications were approved with total offers in excess of €3.4million and a total number of 314 measures. In 2026, up to 31st March, there has been a large volume of draft applications (over 1200) to the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS). 214 applications have been approved with a combined total in offers in excess of €3.8million and a total number of 375 measures.
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH)is designed to financially support the installation and/or operation of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users. It aims to bridge the gap, using an operational tariff over a 15 year payment cycle, between the operating costs of biomass heating systems and the conventional fossil fuel alternatives.
The Non-Domestic Microgen Schemeprovides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €162,600 for installations of up to 1000kWp. From launch in 2022 to May 2026 this scheme has supported 2,791 installations totalling over €30m. There are over 1,400 applications in progress for this scheme, showing that demand is accelerating.
The Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme – this is the longest standing scheme for business -it provides grant support for cross-sectoral projects, supporting new approaches to achieving energy efficiency in Irish communities. The CEG Scheme provides funding for a range of improvements to existing buildings, including insulation, heat pump systems, solar PV, energy-efficient lighting, and energy monitors, as well as other energy upgrades.
The SEAI support schemes are kept under regular review to ensure their effectiveness. I have already approved reforms to several of these, and I am looking closely at what can be done to expand or improve the others.
There are also a range of supports available through the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and its Agencies, to help businesses reduce energy consumption and operating costs. The Energy Efficiency Grant, available through the Local Enterprise Offices, offers 75% of project costs up to a maximum amount of €10,000 and is open to all small businesses with up to 50 employees.
678 businesses invested with the help of the energy efficiency grant in 2025 - with more than €5.7m in support committed to these projects. Enterprise Ireland’s Climate Action Voucher offers up to €1,800 to fund two days of independent consultancy to help companies to identify and act on energy-saving opportunities. 223 vouchers were approved in 2025.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland clients in the manufacturing sector can avail of the €300m Environmental Aid Fund which supports investments in energy efficiency and decarbonisation in Ireland’s manufacturing sectors. I understand there is strong demand for this also.
11. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the energy usage of data centres in Dublin; the way in which this is affecting energy prices for consumers; the number of new data centres to open over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44479/26]
View answerData centres are important for Ireland’s economic and digital future and are a key part of our value proposition for foreign direct investment. When considering the impact of data centres, we must also weigh wider economic benefits — tax revenues, employment, broader digital infrastructure value and significant support and linkages provided to other high value sectors of the economy. Currently the industry employs 19,500 directly. In addition, Ireland’s technology sector, underpinned by digital infrastructure in data centres, accounted for employment of 182,900 people in Q4 2024 - equivalent to 7% of Ireland’s total workforce.
While data centres are large energy users, unlike other European countries that have heavy-industry bases, Ireland’s industrial electricity demand is primarily concentrated in our digital economy – this is our core energy-intensive industry.
The Value of Data Centres to Ireland is an independent report commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment identifies there are 72 operational, grid-connected data centre buildings as of 2025 and these are predominantly located in the Greater Dublin Area.
Historical figures for metered electricity consumption by data centres are compiled and published by Central Statistics Office (CSO). Their recent analysis suggests that circa 50% of metered electricity consumption in the Dublin/Meath region in 2024 is attributable to data centre load.
As an energy intensive industry, the rapid pace of growth over the previous decade presents challenges in terms of our energy infrastructure where there are current and real network constraints in facilitating new connections, particularly in the Dublin region. The Government is committed to delivering a balanced approach to facilitate sustainable data centre demand while also ensuring overall energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses. The Government acknowledges this must be addressed in a planned and strategic approach and we have prioritised and operationalised a number of policy, regulatory and investment workstreams to address these challenges in this way.
The Government's Large Energy User Action Plan published in January 2026, sets out a ‘plan-led’ approach for very large and energy intensive investments, which due to their scale and energy consumption benefit from coordinated national infrastructure planning. It is a medium-term plan that will enable Ireland to capture next generation investment in energy intensive industries, and unlock significant associated economic and employment opportunities.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for electricity connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks and EirGrid. Electricity Network Tariffs are set every year by the CRU to recover the costs of developing, operating, and maintaining the electricity grid. CRU are progressing a multi-annual Electricity Network Tariff Review project to reform how network charges are levied to ensure costs are fairly distributed across different customers. Additionally, Government has established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce which is preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses.
14. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he is taking to help the SME sector cope with increased energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30046/26]
View answerThe escalation of conflict in the Middle East has created an energy shock, introducing significant uncertainty into global energy markets. It is directly impacting Irish households and businesses in terms of cost and affordability.
Disruption to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside heightened risk to regional oil and gas infrastructure, has placed upward pressure on wholesale energy prices at a time when the cost and affordability of energy remain a serious challenge.
The Government has taken, and is continuing to take, actions to help households and businesses with the cost of fuel and energy. At this point, the €750 million intervention by the Irish Government is one of the more significant in the EU. This package was announced following significant engagement with industry representatives.
A cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was established last June to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026. The NEAT is now preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan that will be completed in Q3 of this year. As part of this process we are engaging with business groups to identify the most impacted businesses and to help them to take action.
These additional considerations are alongside a range of permanent supports that are available, many of which I have expanded or enhanced in my term of office. My Department offers a range of grants through the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) of Ireland which are focused on supporting the SME sector to become more energy efficient. Over € 83.5m has been delivered to businesses across Ireland in SEAI grants in 2024 and 2025. That is over 7,000 businesses receiving grant support for solar PV, heat pumps, energy efficient equipment, commercial EV fleets, projects delivered in partnership with local communities and clean heat technology. As I have already indicated, take up of these schemes is growing, and I have ensured that there is funding available to meet this demand.
Through the recently launched ‘Easy Wins’ campaign, the SEAI on behalf of my Department is emphasising accessible, SME-tailored supports that help businesses to adopt approaches and technologies, many of which are low-cost and rapid-payback, and that businesses can implement immediately to reduce energy demand and exposure to price shocks. These schemes include free energy management training and audits as well as very rapid approval grants.
These supports, in combination with immediate tips and advice delivered through multiple channels, allow businesses to develop strategies and understand common approaches to manage and conserve energy without making major investments. These strategies can range from changing of setpoints for heating and cooling, to installation of timeclocks and energy monitors.
The Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) - this provides support to fully cover the costs of a typical energy audit. The scheme enables businesses to rapidly identify energy saving measures, giving them a roadmap to save money, including no and low-cost steps that can be taken immediately. It is open to all public and private sector organisations that are not already required to carry out an energy audit under the Energy Efficiency Directive. In 2025 there were 1,550 Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) vouchers redeemed. This equates to 4m support provided to businesses.
The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS) - this has been designed for greater accessibility to support small and medium enterprises in Ireland – it can give grant approval for a range of ‘off the shelf’ supports in as little as 15 minutes. This scheme is open to all businesses, public sectors bodies, societies and charities and has been growing rapidly since I launched it last year. In 2025,182 applications were approved with total offers in excess of €3.4million and a total number of 314 measures. In 2026, up to 31st March, there has been a large volume of draft applications (over 1200) to the scheme. 214 applications have been approved with a total offers in excess of €3.8million and
The Non-Domestic Microgen Schemeprovides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €162,600 for installations of up to 1000kWp. From launch in 2022 to May 2026 this scheme has supported 2,791 installations totalling over €30m. There are over 1,400 applications in progress for this scheme, showing that demand is accelerating.
The Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme – this is the longest standing scheme that supports business -it provides grant support for cross-sectoral projects, supporting new approaches to achieving energy efficiency in Irish communities. The CEG Scheme provides funding for a range of improvements to existing buildings, including insulation, heat pump systems, solar PV, energy-efficient lighting, and energy monitors, as well as other energy upgrades.
There is also a range of supports available through the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and its agencies, to help businesses reduce energy consumption and operating costs. The Energy Efficiency Grant, available through the Local Enterprise Offices, offers 75% of project costs up to a maximum amount of €10,000 and is open to all small businesses with up to 50 employees. This is a great way for businesses to begin their energy efficiency journey
678 businesses invested with the help of the energy efficiency grant in 2025 with more than €5.7m in support committed to these projects. Enterprise Ireland's Climate Action Voucher offers up to €1,800 to fund two days of independent consultancy to help companies to identify and act on energy-saving opportunities. 223 vouchers were approved in 2025.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland clients in the manufacturing sector can avail of the €300m environmental aid fund which supports investments in energy efficiency and decarbonisation in Ireland’s manufacturing sectors.
15. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the cause, and the perpetrator, of the large fish kill in Blackwater, north Cork in 2025 has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29366/26]
View answerDespite an extensive investigation, the cause and source of the fish kill on the River Blackwater in August last year could not be identified. In September 2025, a summary report on the investigation was published by Inland Fisheries Ireland or IFI on behalf of the inter-agency group set up to coordinate the investigation. This report concludes that the most likely explanation is that the incident was caused by a short-lived pollutant that dissipated before the incident was reported, making it impossible to detect and trace to a specific source.
Following the incident, an independent review was carried out by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre or JRC. The JRC Report, published in February 2026, confirms that State agencies responded quickly and appropriately once the incident was reported. The JRC also identified opportunities where coordination and communication could be improved and acknowledged a ‘detection gap’ exists – that is where a short-lived pollution event occurs and dissipates before it is detected, limiting the investigation and enforcement.
A range of recommendations were identified by the JRC. These are currently being progressed - including the development of an inter-agency protocol, which is close to finalisation, to improve coordination, information sharing and communication between relevant agencies. Other recommendations, such as real-time monitoring infrastructure, require careful planning, design and investment and further consideration as to how best to progress these is underway by the relevant authorities.
16. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are alternative plans for energy security given the planned closure of Moneypoint in 2029; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44559/26]
View answerIn June 2025, Ireland successfully phased out coal fired power generation at Moneypoint, marking a significant milestone in Ireland's energy transition. Moneypoint is now operated as a backup unit to mitigate any shortfall in electricity generation capacity until enduring generation capacity delivers. Once the capacity of Moneypoint is no longer required by the system for security of supply purposes, the existing generation plant at Moneypoint will be fully decommissioned. The Moneypoint site will then transform into a renewable energy hub to meet the future zero carbon needs of the country.
Separate to the Moneypoint site, the Government has set a target of having at least 2 gigawatts of new, flexible, gas-fired generation capacity by 2030 in our Climate Action Plans. This is to ensure secure generation of electricity at time of low renewable output and/or high demand.
This 2 gigawatts of dispatchable generation capacity procured via the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism auctions are delivered by developers in the open market to be enduring generation capacity that will support a renewables led electricity system into the 2030s. The successful and expeditious delivery of all capacity market projects is a critical component in ensuring enduring security of supply and will remove the need for a generator of last resort like Moneypoint.
EirGrid has stated in their 2026-2035 All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment (AIRAA) that overall electricity demand is forecast to grow by 40% in the period to 2035, driven by the growth in new technology loads along with the electrification of heat and transport. This forecast also finds a significant improvement in adequacy from 2029 as new capacity delivers and the Celtic Interconnector to France come online.
17. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the consideration his Department has given, within its renewable energy policy framework, to the cumulative impact of large-scale windfarm developments in areas such as Galway East; the way in which community impact is being addressed as part of the transition to renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44339/26]
View answerAll renewable electricity developments are subject to careful independent scrutiny at the planning application stage, whereby protection of human health, residential amenities and cumulative impacts are key considerations.
Provisional figures from EirGrid show that nearly 41% of electricity grid demand was from renewables in 2025 and around 50% over February, March and April this year. Under the ARE Taskforce and through the National Planning Framework, a supporting and regionally balanced planning policy for onshore wind and solar energy is being developed to enable Ireland’s electricity supply to keep pace with economic growth and protect Irish homes and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.
Community participation and local benefit are important elements in maintaining public acceptance in the transition to renewable electricity. Projects receiving support under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) are required to establish Community Benefit Funds. These Funds are intended to support local, community-led initiatives that promote environment, social and cultural benefit.
All renewable electricity generators should engage constructively with local communities and put in place appropriate community benefit arrangements equivalent to those under the RESS.
Contributions to RESS Community Benefit Funds are set at €2 per Megawatt-hour of electricity generated by each supported project. In the case of onshore wind projects, provisions for direct near neighbour payments are required, recognising the importance of ensuring that those living close to renewable electricity projects receive tangible benefits.
My Department has being working in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who have responsibility for planning matters, on a review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which will inform a new National Planning Statement on Wind Energy under the new Planning and Development Act 2024. The National Planning Statement on Wind Energy will address key matters including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
19. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the action that will be taken against those responsible for killing over 20,000 fish in the River Glyde; the action he will take to prevent fish kills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44549/26]
View answerOn Friday last, I visited the River Glyde to witness first-hand the impact of this very serious pollution incident. Inland Fisheries Ireland or IFI, who are leading on this investigation, estimate that over 20,000 fish have been lost over a 25-kilometre stretch of the river in counties Monaghan and Louth.
The initial report was received by IFI on 2nd June and IFI officers were on site immediately. The source of the pollution was identified as an agricultural discharge that evening and the discharge was stopped. A definite line of enquiry has been established, and a file is being prepared by IFI for prosecution. As the investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment further on this case.
IFI is continuing its extensive monitoring and recovery work on the river. Louth County Council has confirmed oxygen levels are improving and Uisce Éireann has confirmed that public drinking water supplies remain unaffected.
I recognise that fish kills, particularly of this scale, are deeply concerning for local communities, anglers, and landowners who invest significant time and effort into protecting and improving our waterways. Preventing incidents of this nature is a priority.
We last saw an incident of this scale in August 2025 on the River Blackwater in County Cork. An inter-agency group was established at that time to collaborate on the investigation and that group remains in place. We also asked the EU Joint Research Centre or JRC to carry out an independent, science-based review of the State’s response to the incident. While the JRC confirmed that State agencies responded quickly and appropriately once the incident was reported, it also identified areas where improvements can be made and where systems can be strengthened.
The report provides a range of practical, forward-looking recommendations aimed at preventing, detecting and improving the coordinated response to future fish kills. The recommendations are being addressed, including the development of an Inter-Agency Protocol to ensure that the relevant expertise, resources and information can be brought together quickly when required and ensure incidents are handled and communicated consistently in the future.
The report also sets out a range of longer-term recommendations that will require detailed assessments and technical, operational and financial planning. These recommendations, which include strengthening of early-warning and detection monitoring systems and restoration measures to improve catchment resilience, also need to be considered alongside existing arrangements, in particular measures addressing EU obligations such as the Water Framework Directive, the Environmental Liability Directive and the Industrial Emissions Directive, to ensure that actions taken will complement and enhance existing systems rather than duplicate or replace them.
20. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a recent United Nations University report which references Ireland as a cautionary example of local grid stress from concentrated digital infrastructure due to the proliferation of data centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44343/26]
View answer41. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the use of Ireland as a cautionary tale of data centre growth in a recent UN report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44546/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 41 together.
Data centres are important for Ireland’s economic and digital future and are a key part of our value proposition for foreign direct investment. Data centres bring wider economic benefits — tax revenues, employment, broader digital infrastructure value and significant support and linkages provided to other high value sectors of the economy.
The recent KMPG study on data centres, undertaken on behalf of the Department of Enterprise Tourism and Employment, reports that there are 19,500 directly employed in the industry. As detailed in the Large Energy Action Plan (LEAP), Ireland’s technology sector, underpinned by digital infrastructure in data centres, accounted for employing 182,900 people in Q4 2024 - equivalent to 7% of Ireland’s total workforce. Unlike other European countries that have heavy-industry bases, Ireland’s industrial electricity demand is primarily concentrated in our digital economy – this is our core energy-intensive industry.
I note the contents of the UN University report on AI energy, referenced by the Deputy, particularly the comments on the need for responsible and informed capacity planning of the power system. The Government has for a long time recognised that data centres and their energy consumption need to be managed and planned appropriately.
The Government's LEAP published in January 2026, sets out a ‘plan-led’ approach for very large and energy intensive investments, which due to their scale and energy consumption benefit from coordinated national infrastructure planning. It is a medium-term plan that will enable Ireland to capture next generation investment in energy intensive industries, and unlock significant associated economic and employment opportunities.
The CRU’s Large Energy Users Connection Policy was published in December 2025. This sets out a pathway for new large demand connection applications to the electricity system which addresses risks in relation to security of supply and system constraints and promotes renewable energy targets, while minimising, where possible, the impact on national carbon emissions.
This policy and regulatory framework is being reinforced by an unprecedented investment in Ireland’s electricity network infrastructure, supported by a €3.5bn equity investment by Government in the electricity system operators.
Future industrial development can and should be aligned with Ireland’s continued green and digital transitions, robust energy security, infrastructure delivery, and affordability of energy for households and businesses throughout the country. This Government will continue to work to ensure that this is realised.
21. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm his engagements with the European Commission to recognise Ireland as part of the EU interconnected gas grid to enable imports of sustainable renewable gases with third countries including the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44566/26]
View answerIn December 2025, formal notification of Ireland’s intention to introduce a domestic product multiplier under the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) was made via the online Technical Regulations Information System.
This notification was made following active engagement with the European Commission to ensure no discriminatory practices, or fragmentation of the EU Single Market.
On 30 March 2026, the European Commission responded to this notification, submitting a detailed opinion outlining their views in relation to the inclusion of an additional certificate for domestic biomethane surrendered under the RHO Scheme.
In addition to these views, the European Commission also supplied commentary in relation to the accounting of pipeline supplied biomethane and adherence to the conditions in the Union Data Base.
Following receipt of this opinion, my officials have met with the European Commission to discuss the issue of Ireland’s connectivity by pipeline to mainland Europe. Ireland currently operates, and intends to maintain, a mass-balancing system to track the trade of imported biomethane and ensure compliance with the framework established by the Renewable Energy Directive and Implementing Regulation 2022/996.
Given Ireland’s unique geographic and infrastructural position, my officials continue to actively engage with the European Commission on this matter and I am confident that this will be resolved ahead of the introduction of the RHO Bill, ensuring Ireland maintains access to compliance and market mechanisms available to other Member States, namely access to the use of imported sustainable renewable fuels.
Introduction of the RHO remains a key objective for me, and priority drafting of the RHO Bill 2025 is nearing completion with the intention to submit to Government for approval and priority publication as part of the summer legislative programme.
As a newly emerging market, it has been well documented that the Irish biomethane sector will require support to stimulate early growth in the industry. Funding of up to €200m for a second round of capital grant support has been secured through the Infrastructure, Nature and Climate Fund process, and my Department is now in the initial stages of putting the scheme in place, which will be available to support the sector from late 2026.
22. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration will be given to providing free solar panels to households in receipt of fuel allowance, to support them with their energy bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31310/26]
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 Fuel Allowance is one such eligible income support and those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, where their homes were built and occupied before 2006, would be eligible for the scheme.
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 Q1 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 2021 are eligible for part-funded solar PV grants under separate SEAI programmes. The Government 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.
23. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has plans to work with the ESB to ensure Pay As You Go electricity customers are on the lowest possible electricity tariffs. [31211/26]
View answerESB Networks and GNI are responsible for installing Pay As You Go meters free of charge for customers in financial difficulty at the request of suppliers, on foot of a customer agreeing to the installation of a meter.
A range of CRU customer protections are in place for households on prepayment and hardship meters including:
• suppliers are required to ensure that all customers with a financial hardship meter are placed on the most economic or cheapest tariff. This includes a tariff that might otherwise only be available to, for example, a new customer or a customer as a retention offer;
• suppliers must ensure that up to a maximum of 15% of a single customer vend can be attributed to debt recovery;
• suppliers are required to advise their prepayment customers in financial difficulty about other payment options available to them. Suppliers must recommended that registered vulnerable customers are not placed on prepayment meters;
• the €200 gas meter exchange siteworks charge associated with a customer moving from a Pay As You Go gas meter to a credit meter has been suspended for all domestic customers;
• suppliers are required to continue to provide appropriately trained call centre staff to help better identify customers in debt or facing debt, at an earlier stage;
• emergency credit on all electricity and gas prepay meters should represent no less than a €20 credit in total; and
• suppliers must also send a reminder to all domestic customers, including Pay As You Go customers, about the eligibility criteria, how to apply and the benefits of registering as a vulnerable customer.
As Minister, I have engaged with all suppliers and met with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months. The suppliers have since committed to ensuring that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who may find themselves in difficulty. I have also recently written to retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.
I would encourage all customers, including Pay As You Go customers, to engage with their energy supplier if facing financial difficulties.
I would also remind the Deputy that the Department of Social Protection can provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.
24. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which revenue raised through the Market Cap Fund will be allocated; the reasons for the significant underspends under Vote 29 in the 2024 Appropriation Account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44487/26]
View answerThe Market Cap Fund was established by the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Act 2023. This Act implemented EU Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854. This Regulation sought to address windfall gains in the energy sector by collecting excess revenues from companies that had unexpectedly benefited from the high energy prices arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The legislation provides that the excess revenues be used to finance measures in support of final electricity consumers to mitigate the impact of high electricity prices and that measures to be considered for allocation from the fund be clearly defined, transparent, proportionate, targeted, non-discriminatory, verifiable and not counteract the obligation to reduce gross electricity demand.
To date, I have approved up to €37 million from the Fund to the SEAI Non-Domestic Micro-generation Grant Scheme, of which €10 million has been approved since June 2025, to cover anticipated payments under this scheme to the end of 2026. The scheme provides support to the SME and not-for-profit sectors to address energy costs and reduce emissions in their buildings, and is open to businesses, public sector bodies, societies and charities. Disbursements to this scheme take place on a regular basis to enable SEAI make payments following completion of installation works by approved applicants. Total disbursements to the end of May 2026 were €15.618 million.
The 2024 outturn for my Department was €1.734 billion, 98% of my Department’s 2024 provision. This left a surplus of €38.479 million (2%) which was surrendered to the Exchequer. The main reasons for the underspends related to demand led schemes where funds were not drawn down during the year. Full details of my department’s financial performance for 2024 is set out in the Appropriation Account, available at www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/2025/vote-29-environment-climate-and-communciations.pdf
25. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider including solar panels and solar energy generation as part of the measures available under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44485/26]
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 Q1 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 2021 are eligible for part-funded solar PV grants under separate SEAI programmes. The Government 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.
26. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the national just transition strategy; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44294/26]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 provides a commitment to a just transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. To give effect to this statutory commitment, the Climate Action Plan introduced a Just Transition Framework which guides the integration of just transition into climate policy.
In 2024 the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment published its Statement of Strategy for 2025-2028. This Strategy includes the key strategic objective to provide climate leadership to accelerate the delivery of a just transition to climate neutrality. As a key action to deliver on this objective, my Department will develop a Just Transition Strategy. The Just Transition Strategy will aim to further support the implementation of the Just Transition Framework into climate policy.
The development of the Strategy is in progress with publication expected in Q4 2026. This will allow for a range of meaningful inputs to inform the Strategy's development including focused research and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
27. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the proposed Private Wires Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44077/26]
View answerThe general scheme of the private wires legislation was approved by Government on 16 December 2025. Since then, my Department has been engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to draft the necessary legislation required to bring forward the private wires' regime. Introducing a private wires regime is a priority for this Government. The Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy have undertaken pre-legislative scrutiny on the General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill with a report published at the end of April which is under review in the Department. It is my intention that the Bill will have completed its passage through the Oireachtas as early as possible this year.
28. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if energy credits will be considered in the upcoming budget; his plans to assist the public to combat energy price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44480/26]
View answer35. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to reintroduce energy credits and immediately reform Ireland's energy market to bring electricity prices down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39765/26]
View answer36. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated number of households currently experiencing fuel and energy poverty; and the steps he will take to help those most vulnerable to the fuel and energy crisis. [31308/26]
View answer48. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department is taking to address persistently high electricity prices for households and small businesses, particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44340/26]
View answer49. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department is taking to improve energy affordability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43466/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 35, 36, 48 and 49 together.
Addressing energy affordability is a priority for this Government. That is why in June of last year, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments, and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The First Report of the Taskforce informed key aspects of Budget 2026 including:
• a 15% or €5 per week increase to the Fuel Allowance, providing an additional €140 to recipients during the annual fuel allowance season;
• eligibility for the Fuel Allowance was also expanded to include those in receipt of the Working Family Payment;
• an extension of the reduced VAT rate of 9% which is applied to gas and electricity to 2030. This provides clarity and certainty to energy consumers and reduces energy bills for households by up to €100 per year; and
• the €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration was extended for a further three years to end-2028
A record €640 million has also been provided to support the SEAI’s residential and community energy upgrade schemes this year. This includes €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme which provides fully funded upgrades for households in energy poverty. The allocation means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat.
The SEAI supports for businesses include up to 100% funding for energy audits and up to 50% for other measures. Supports available include:
• Rapid Approval Grants;
• the Business Energy Upgrade Scheme (off the shelf upgrades such as air handling, pumps, and insulation);
• a Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant; and
• the Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) Scheme
The NEAT continues to work intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in Q3 of this year. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer-term measures to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs and will be built around 4 key pillars:
•addressing the price of energy;
•sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility;
•targeted supports to address energy poverty and customer protections; and
•targeted supports for energy affordability for businesses.
To facilitate this robust and coordinated cross-Government response, a number of NEAT subgroups have been established, bringing together officials from a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies. A period of intensive engagement to refine options for consideration by the Taskforce is currently underway, with subgroups meeting on an ongoing basis. This work is also being supported by structured engagement with relevant external stakeholders.
Electricity credits were always envisioned as a temporary, emergency measure. While necessary at the peak of the energy crisis, they are not fiscally sustainable nor do they reduce the drivers of cost in the energy sector.
There are no decisions made yet in respect of Budget 2027.
Households spending above 10% of total income on their energy needs (excluding energy for transport) are counted in the current measurement of energy poverty. In 2022, based on this measure, the ESRI estimated that the number of households at risk of energy poverty was 29%. It should be noted that targeted measures to support households at risk of energy poverty are paid to a significant share of households. For example, the Fuel Allowance has been expanded to benefit 470,000 households. As mentioned, Addressing Energy Poverty and Customer Protections is one of the pillars of the NEAT framework.
29. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has carried out a detailed assessment of the potential extra demand of electricity required by data centres over the next decade; the additional percentage cost this could put on household bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44126/26]
View answer33. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has carried out an impact study on the effects of the large energy demand of data centres; the way this may be increasing costs to households; the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44125/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 33 together.
As the transmission system operator for Ireland, EirGrid is responsible for the operation and planning of the electricity transmission system. To achieve this, EirGrid balance supply and demand continually while also planning for Ireland’s long-term electricity needs.
EirGrid’s All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment looks at the balance between electricity demand and supply in Ireland for the next 10 years, which includes a ten-year demand forecast. In EirGrid’s most recent published assessment, the All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment 2026-2035, it is noted that by 2035, 35% of all electricity demand is expected to come from data centres and new technology loads.
While Ireland has attracted some of the best data centre and tech companies in the world, the Government continues to work with the sector towards a secure and decarbonised energy future. Government acknowledges the need to balance the opportunities and challenges being faced.
Data centres are central to Ireland’s economic and digital future as they are a key part of our value proposition for foreign direct investment and the associated employment. However, when considering the impact of data centres, we must also weigh wider economic benefits — tax revenues, employment, broader digital infrastructure value and significant support and linkages provided to other high value sectors of the economy.
The Large Energy-User Action Plan (LEAP), published in January 2026 sets out the Government’s approach to planning for sustainable new energy intensive industrial developments. It prepares for a plan-led approach to the location of very large energy user (LEU) sectors, especially in the period beyond 2030, including through identifying green energy park locations.
Under LEAP, my Department, in collaboration with the System Operators and Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) will model and consider a range of plan-led LEU development scenarios and locations. The modelling work will provide Government with insights for consideration on the impact of future LEU demand on the energy system with regard to infrastructure requirements, infrastructure cost, and sustainability objectives. The outcomes will be used to inform policy choices going forward, to support a more integrated approach to a plan-led energy system agreed across System Operators, the regulator and Government.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for electricity connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks and EirGrid. Electricity Network Tariffs are set every year by the CRU to recover the costs of developing, operating, and maintaining the electricity grid. CRU are progressing a multi-annual Electricity Network Tariff Review project to reform how network charges are levied to ensure costs are fairly distributed across different customers. Additionally, Government has established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce which is preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses.
30. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the development of the next national food waste prevention roadmap; the way in which the revised Waste Framework Directive is informing the identification of key actions for the 2026-2028 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44475/26]
View answerThe Department is leading on the preparation of the next National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap, which will be published on a statutory basis.
A draft Roadmap is currently being developed in consultation with the Food Waste Prevention Task Force that was established as part of the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025. This Task Force, which monitors the implementation and progress of the Roadmap delivery, includes representation from my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
A revised Waste Framework Directive entered into force in October 2025 and includes binding food waste reduction targets to be achieved at national level by 2030. As well as requiring Member States to take appropriate measures to prevent the generation of food waste along the entire food supply chain, the revised Directive lists specific measures to be taken, which include:
• developing and supporting behavioural change interventions to reduce food waste, and information campaigns to raise awareness about food waste prevention
• identifying and addressing inefficiencies in the functioning of the food supply chain and supporting cooperation amongst all actors
• supporting training and skills development as well as facilitating access to funding opportunities, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises and social economy entities
• encouraging and promoting innovation and technological solutions
There is also a strengthened focus on surplus food donation and redistribution. Ireland is required to transpose the revised Directive into national law by June 2027.
A number of key actions in the next Roadmap will focus on supporting the implementation of the revised Waste Framework Directive requirements. The Roadmap will be made available for public consultation prior to its publication later this year.
