Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
126. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider introducing a technical grant support for single home energy upgrade measures in traditionally built properties to cover the added conservation costs these types of buildings can incur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73270/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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
To date, 57 applications have been received, with the pilot’s first retrofits due for completion in Quarter 1, 2026.
The learnings on the Traditional Homes Pilot to date are:
- increasing homeowner awareness is important, as they play a significant role in decision-making and influencing solutions/contractor choices;
- many learnings on balancing the energy upgrade versus the impact on the building;
- maintaining the architectural heritage of the building, to ensure retrofit measures do not compromise its character; and
- incorporating the TBP can be a challenge, particularly regarding the relationship across various actors in a project.
Any decisions to expand traditional home retrofits beyond the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will be informed by the final findings of the pilot scheme which are expected in 2026.
