My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 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, making appropriate changes as necessary.
The grants available through the SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as best value for money for the Exchequer.
The cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT), chaired by my Department, was established in June 2025 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, including new measures to further support householders as set out in the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades, in particular for lower-income households at risk of energy poverty, and continued development of the SEAI retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. The Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures (including targeted measures) to support households and businesses in meeting their energy costs. The Action Plan will be completed in Q3 of this year.
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 technical issues, materials, products, and installation costs of 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 currently available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which provides an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.
Under the pilot scheme, home upgrades will be delivered for homeowners through registered One Stop Shops, supported by a home-owner appointed qualified traditional building professional. Under the pilot scheme, the grant supports for energy efficiency upgrade measures will be at the same level as currently available under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme as outlined on the SEAI website under National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop.
Any decisions to expand traditional home retrofits beyond the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the network of One Stop Shops will be informed by the findings of the pilot scheme which are expected later in 2026.
