Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
125. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the financial supports that are available for the replacement of solid fuel stoves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51023/26]
View answerMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improving the energy efficiency of their buildings, and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems.
These include SEAI part-funded schemes which offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades, as well as fully-funded energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the fully-funded Warmer Homes Scheme.
It is important to note that the grants available through the SEAI aim to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. Hence, the grant rates to homeowners are focused on those measures which will be most effective in reducing energy use and reducing carbon emissions.
Grant supports under the part-funded schemes are available for installing heat pumps in place of fossil fuel heating systems and, in recent years, a range of measures have been put in place to incentivise take-up among homeowners, including most recently with the introduction of new and enhanced measures under the new National Residential Retrofit Plan.
The Heat Pump System grant has been expanded for a maximum total grant value of up to €12,500, up from €3,500 to €6,500 under the previous retrofitting plan. This new amount includes a €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus grant solely targeted at homeowners decarbonising their existing heating system by swapping out their oil/gas boiler, solid fuel heating or electric storage heating with a Heat Pump. in January 2025, the VAT rate for the supply and installation of a heat pump was reduced to 9%.
With regard to the fully funded Warmer Homes Scheme, where a heating system upgrade is required as part of a major renovation, the SEAI will assess the suitability of the home for a heat pump, or other renewable heating technologies, which are compliant with the EPBD (revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive).
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 as well as preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan, to be completed in Quarter 3 of this year. 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.
My Department and SEAI continually keep grant schemes under review taking account of evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors, making appropriate changes as necessary.
The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance. Where there is an urgent need the Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/
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. More information on the suite of grants can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
