Thomas Gould
Ceist:131. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of homes retrofitted in 2025 under the warmer homes scheme. [71670/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy Conservation
Ceisteanna (131)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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 carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
There has been significant investment and year-on-year growth in home energy upgrades under the National Retrofit Plan, with capital expenditure of over €1.6 billion since 2019 and over 239,000 home energy upgrades supported to end November 2025. This includes over 32,000 fully funded retrofits under the Warmer Home Schemes. The number of homes retrofitted under the Warmer Homes Scheme from January to end of November 2025 is 7,430.
The scheme has been delivering a greater number of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which the SEAI indicates has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to just over €29,000 in Q3 of 2025. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of fully funded energy upgrades.
Energy Prices
Ceisteanna (132)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:132. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in light of persistently high household energy costs nationwide, whether he will bring any privately owned energy infrastructure into public ownership and thereby prevent profiteering in the sector. [73225/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
My Department has established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The taskforce's first report set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
There are no plans to bring any privately owned energy infrastructure into public ownership.
Climate Action Plan
Ceisteanna (133)
Grace Boland
Ceist:133. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which his Department is supporting local authorities to deliver on their climate action plans, particularly in rural and coastal areas vulnerable to climate impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72012/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2022, my Department approved funding for local authorities to develop climate action plans. Almost €19m has been paid over 2022–2025 to fund climate action teams in local authorities, with annual funding of €5.815m continuing until 2028.
My Department provides €2m in annual funding to four Climate Action Regional Offices which support local authorities to deliver climate actions. It funds the Local Authority Climate Action Training Programme (€500,000 p.a.) to upskill staff and elected members in local authorities. Atlantic Seaboard North CARO is particularly focused on risks to coastal counties and has been leading several projects in that regard.
Each local authority identified a Decarbonising Zone (DZ) as part of its climate action plan. This is a spatial area where the local authority works with the community to test climate measures. We worked with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly to set up a DZ fund (€2.5m ERDF) for local authorities in that region, which is now live. This is open to nine counties, six of which are coastal.
My Department has developed a proposal, through the EU JTF Programme, to invest significant funds into the wider Midlands region to support Local Authorities as they implement their Climate Action Plans. The proposal, approved by Government, is due for submission to the European Commission this week for its review and adoption.
In addition, my Department has been working with Cork, Dublin and Galway (three coastal cities) in the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, which aims to make 100 European cities climate neutral by 2030.
Actions in the local authority sector form part of a whole of Government collaborative response underpinned by the 2024 National Adaptation Framework, the National Climate Change Risk Assessment, and the new iteration of Sectoral Adaptation Plans approved by Government in November. All of these are informed by data from Met Éireann.
My Department coordinates and supports the implementation process though meetings of the National Adaptation Steering Committee, and I recently approved a new Adaptation Taskforce which, from January, will help to address crosscutting issues.
Data Centres
Ceisteanna (134)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:134. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he supports enabling data centres to build their own fossil fuel power plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72887/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
CRU’s published LEU Connection Policy Decision Paper sets out a pathway for new applications to connect to the electricity system that addresses security of electricity supply risks, system constraints and promotes renewable energy targets. The Decision supports the Government renewable energy targets, as data centres above certain thresholds will be required to meet at least 80% of their annual demand with new additional renewable electricity generated in the Republic of Ireland. The decision also requires that data centre’s above a certain size must provide dispatchable “onsite or proximate” generation and/or storage capacity which matches their demand.
The operation of fossil fuel generated back-up power systems is subject to strict statutory rules and environmental regulations aimed at limiting emissions, operating hours and interaction with the grid. All of these are overseen by the independent regulators the EPA, CRU, and the respective Distribution and System Operators EirGrid and ESB Networks regarding environmental regulation, connection policies, and system operation/connection.
Government policy on data centres firmly aims to enable the “twin transitions” of digitalisation and decarbonisation of our economy and society. This is further detailed in the 2022 Government Statement on Data Centres that sets out the principles for sustainable data centre development, including implementing decarbonised energy solutions and designs to increase energy efficiency. Government policy remains that ‘islanded’ data centres (that are not connected to the electricity grid and are powered mainly by on-site fossil fuel generation) would not be in line with national policy.
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (135)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:135. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on all of the actions in the energy security review; the estimated timeline for completion/delivery of each action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72249/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 was published in November 2023 and outlines a strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050. The report was published as part of an Energy Security Package, containing a range of supplementary analyses, consultations, and reviews, which have informed the recommendations and actions related to energy security.
The 28 actions outlined in Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 are overseen by the Energy Security Group (ESG), which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and attended by officials from relevant Government Departments and Agencies.
The table below provides an update of the actions to end Q3 2025.
|
ACTION |
STATUS |
ESTIMATED TIMELINE FOR DELIVERY |
|
1. To transpose the European Energy Efficiency Directive |
IN PROGRESS |
Several pieces of legislation which will transpose the majority of the Energy Efficiency Directive are nearing completion and it is anticipated that they will be enacted in Q1 2026. The Department is awaiting the publication of Commission guidance, which was originally due in March 2024, before it can complete the transposition of the remaining parts of the Directive. The Department has engaged with the Commission in relation to this. |
|
2. To standardise the approach used to evaluate the affordability of new and existing policy initiatives on consumers |
IN PROGRESS |
Priorities have been realigned under the PfG resulting in the establishment of a National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT). The drafting, publication and implementation of a National Energy Affordability Action Plan will be a key output of the NEAT. The relevant actions in the ESP are being incorporated into the work programme of the NEAT. |
|
3. To improve the ways that homes and businesses can manage their energy use by providing an evidence-based programme of communications activity and by supporting ‘active consumers’ through smart metering and smart energy services |
IN PROGRESS |
Q1 2026 The National Energy Demand Strategy and consumer strategy in particular will assist consumers in managing their energy use.
In addition, there are a number of more medium term measures under way in DCEE and its agencies towards this end, including the work of the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce (retrofitting, renewable heat, district heating networks, decarbonisation of heating and operational energy use optimisation in the building stock), SEAI’s Pathfinder programme for the public sector and DCEE’s Commercial roadmap for businesses seeking to decarbonise. |
|
4. To review gas connection policy and introduce gas demand flexibility measures |
IN PROGRESS |
Q1 2026 |
|
5.To identify and support new, innovative approaches to integrating large-scale demand sustainably into Ireland’s energy systems that align with the overriding objective to decarbonise |
IN PROGRESS |
Q1 2026. Large Energy User Connection Policy published by CRU 12 December. Other related measures ongoing. |
|
6. To utilise the National Energy and Climate Plan to ensure all policy incentives are aligned on a regular basis |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
|
7. To work within the updated European Electricity Market Design to continue to reduce emissions associated with Ireland’s conventional capacity over the medium-term |
IN PROGRESS |
2030 |
|
8. To complete implementation of the CRU Security of Electricity Supply Programme |
IN PROGRESS |
2027 |
|
9. To increase resilience by implementing an updated, risk-based, evidence-based reliability standard in the electricity sector |
IN PROGRESS |
2027 |
|
10. To implement consenting reforms and align to planning reforms to provide greater certainty to the sector |
IN PROGRESS |
Environment (Misc. Provisions) Bill, 2025 has completed Dáil Éireann, Third Stage. Primary legislation in place by end Q1 2026. Secondary legislation to be developed over the course of 2026 with phased implementation to end 2026. |
|
11. To ensure a fit for purpose electricity grid that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition |
IN PROGRESS |
Q4 2030 |
|
12. To accelerate delivery of power system flexibility |
IN PROGRESS |
2026 |
|
13. To successfully complete and integrate additional Electricity Interconnections |
IN PROGRESS |
The Celtic Interconnector is a 700 MW electricity interconnector currently being built between Brittany and East Cork, promoted, and developed by EirGrid, and French counterpart, Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite (RTÉ). Scheduled completion will be Spring 2028. The Greenlink Interconnector project is a 500 MW subsea and underground electricity interconnector cable linking grids in Ireland (Wexford) and GB (Wales) with flow in both directions. It has been operational since Q1 2025. The MaresConnect Interconnector project between Ireland (Greater Dublin Area) and GB (Wales). Regulatory progress has seen cap and floor obtained in UK with Cap and Floor minded granting in Ireland with a final decision due 2026. Project commissioning is aimed for 2030. |
|
14. To finalise studies to inform the development of long-term gas storage solutions which can store renewable gas, in particular hydrogen |
IN PROGRESS |
Research due Q4 2028 |
|
15. To secure the existing onshore ‘Inch gas pipeline’ for wider strategic uses |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing - Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), Ireland’s gas transmission system operator, is continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders. |
|
16. To ensure a fit for purpose gas grid, that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition |
IN PROGRESS |
CRU and GNI are undertaking a number of initial measures to support this medium- to long-term action. |
|
17. To create a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to protect Ireland in the event of a gas supply disruption as Ireland makes a secure transition to majority renewable energy |
IN PROGRESS |
Work on the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER) project is progressing steadily, with recent site selection announcement achieving a crucial milestone. |
|
18.To strengthen supply chain of secondary fuels for Gas-fired power generation |
IN PROGRESS |
Substantively completed in 2024, with ongoing analysis of this area to continue in 2026 between relevant bodies. |
|
19. To resolve Long-Term Sourcing Issues for improved Oil Security |
COMPLETE |
Analysis commissioned and complete on Refining in Ireland |
|
20. To expand the energy expertise and capacity available to Government and representing Ireland Internationally |
IN PROGRESS |
Chief Technical Adviser appointed, with a new team in place. Dedicated graduate recruitment in place. New International division established and resources at EU level enhanced. |
|
21. To regularly review the scope, functions and resourcing of the delivery organisations that are driving the energy transition |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. |
|
22. To integrate the forecasting framework for the electricity and gas sectors |
IN PROGRESS |
2027 |
|
23. To extend International Energy Agreements to support energy security |
IN PROGRESS |
MoU in place and continuing engagement with the UK. |
|
24. To continue to regularly Review Energy Emergency Exercises and Preparedness |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. Exercises conducted, future exercises planned and actions being implemented following each Exercise. |
|
25. To update the approach to Industry and Stakeholder Engagement in policy deliberation |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing across multiple forums. |
|
26. To enhance energy sector oversight and governance |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. Review of CRU ongoing to enhance oversight, governance, resources and engagement with the CRU. |
|
27. To establish Annual Energy Security Reporting and Regular Energy Security Reviews |
IN PROGRESS |
2026 |
|
28. To establish a permanent Energy Security Group |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (136)
Colm Burke
Ceist:136. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress made to date by his Department in relation to the development of centralised planning guidelines for suitable locations for biomethane and biogas plants under the National Biomethane Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73220/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government has committed to deliver an ambitious target of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. In response, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
Implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy is an on-going process of collaboration across key Government Departments and Agencies. The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to support development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Although anaerobic digestion (AD) is a very well-established technology in Europe with over 20,000 plants in operation, the sector in Ireland has been relatively small to date. However, there is a robust regulatory framework in place to underpin the development of the AD industry in Ireland further and harness the benefits of biomethane.
For example, plants involved in AD of animal by-products or derived products, must be approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Depending on the plants activity, various licences are required from the Environmental Protection Agency. Onsite Health and Safety is regulated by the Health and Safety Authority, and the plants connection to the gas network is regulated through the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Gas Networks Ireland’s procedures and standards.
It is my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who has responsibility for the overall development of national planning policy and legislation. However, AD and other integrated assets are required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology. Guidelines and requirements for these are currently set out through several acts, policy documents, spatial strategies, and development plans. Projects above a certain threshold are also required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Finally, a biomethane implementation sub-group has recently been established to oversee the preparation of guidelines to assist local representatives and planning authorities when assessing planning applications for biomethane plants. It is expected that these guidelines will be developed in 2026.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (137)
Peter Roche
Ceist:137. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the current uptake of the home energy upgrade loan scheme in County Galway; and how his Department intends to expand awareness and access for homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73229/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is intended to play a crucial role in helping homeowners invest in energy upgrades to make their homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower emissions and lower bills.
The scheme is available nationwide and homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to 10 years, at interest rates from as low as 2.99% (price varies depending on the finance provider). PTSB was the first lender to join in April 2024, with AIB and Bank of Ireland joining in June 2024. In 2025 the group of participating lenders has been expanded to include Avant Money (in partnership with An Post) and seven credit unions from the Irish League of Credit Unions, enhancing accessibility to more affordable retrofit loans in local communities.
At the end of September 2025, there were 776 loans drawn to a value of €38,258,801. The Deputy may wish to note that as uptake figures in certain counties mean that it could be possible to identify individual homeowners, regional figures are reported instead. To end September 2025, 79 loans were drawn in the west region of Ireland to a value of €3,875,895.
In line with the Programme for Government, in addition to expanding the number of lenders under the scheme, a key focus of my Department across 2025 has been the continued promotion of the scheme to drive uptake. The Department has engaged with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and several lenders to examine and identify opportunities to further promote the scheme. This also includes the progression of a marketing and communications campaign to scale up activity in the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.
Climate Change Policy
Ceisteanna (138)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:138. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his Department’s investment in climate adaptation projects, and estimates of adaptation investment needs between now and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73226/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am strongly aware of the need to support communities, businesses, and ecosystems with a whole of government approach to developing increased resilience to the impacts of climate change and I work with other Ministers, Local Authorities and Agencies to support that whole of Government response to the impacts of climate change.
Last year, Government approved Ireland’s second National Adaptation Framework (NAF). Developed under the NAF, Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) for 13 key sectors, across 8 Departments were recently approved and published by Government. Delivery of SAP actions falls under the remit of each Sectoral Minister.
Under each SAP, key adaptation priorities will be progressed for funding within budgetary parameters and the limits outlined as part of National Development Plan allocations and as part of the annual estimates process by each sectoral Minister.
One such key sector, Electricity and Gas Networks, falls under the remit of my Department. Investment in the onshore electricity grid is a key priority in the Programme for Government. Work commenced on Price Review 6 will see the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) approve investment in the grid for 2026-2030. CRU recently outlined a proposed investment of up to €19 billion in our electricity system between 2026-2030, with a €14 billion baseline investment guaranteed. This large-scale investment will assist Ireland in maintaining a reliable and resilient electricity network. To support delivery of Price Review 6, the Government is investing €3.5 billion in equity between EirGrid and ESB Networks.
Under the leadership of my Department, a new senior level Adaptation Task Force will commence work in 2026 to support enhanced accountability for, and ownership of, sectoral risks and support implementation of adaptation action on cross-cutting issues.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 129.
Illegal Dumping
Ceisteanna (140)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:140. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the supports being made available to Cork County Council and other agencies in Cork to tackle illegal dumping in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71900/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to illegal dumping, taking account of local circumstances.
However, my Department continues to provide significant support to the local authority sector in their efforts to deal with incidences of illegal dumping. Over €23m has been provided to the sector under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was introduced in 2017 to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem. €3m was allocated in support of the ADI in 2025, of which Cork County Council received €26,090.
Full details of the amounts provided to individual local authorities by the Department under the ADI for each of the years 2017 - 2024 (2025 data will be added early in 2026), including details of the specific projects supported by county are available on the gov.ie website.
To maintain a visible presence of waste enforcement personnel on the ground across the State, the Department also continues to invest in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme. €7.7m was allocated to this scheme in 2025, with Cork County Council receiving €460,023. Cork County Council also received over €1.2m in funding from the Department in 2025 to support its role as the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority for the Southern Region.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (141, 143, 290)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:141. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he could provide an update on the retrofitting schemes; and provide a detailed timeline of how the 2030 target of 500,000 retrofitted homes will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73222/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:143. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of homes which have been deep retrofitted in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71619/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Pa Daly
Ceist:290. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a breakdown, per county, of the number of households that have participated in the Government's retrofitting scheme broken down by programme in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73656/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 143 and 290 together.
The Climate Action Plan sets out policies, measures and actions to be taken to achieve sectoral emissions ceilings for the residential sector. These measures include the retrofit of existing homes and installation of heat pumps to support the achievement of the required emissions reductions.
The National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government’s approach to delivering on these targets. The plan itself is built on four key pillars of demand, supply, financing and governance, with actions and initiatives flowing from each.
A range of measures has been introduced under the National Retrofit Plan across recent years to support continued growth, including simplifying application processes, expanding eligibility, prioritising worst performing homes, expanding deep retrofits, growing the numbers of One Stop Shops, as well as progressing projects piloting new supports.
The measures introduced are translating into delivery. SEAI data show that in the ten years since 2015 almost 274,000 home energy upgrades were supported and, of these, almost 60,500 were to a BER B2 or better energy efficiency rating, representing sustained and significant increases each year. This is despite the significant interruption across most of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding 2025, data from SEAI to end November show the number of home energy upgrades at 52,416 of which 23,304 were to a BER rating of B2 or higher.
Budget 2026 announced a record Exchequer funding allocation of €558 million from the carbon tax for SEAI residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV Scheme. This is an €89 million increase on last year’s carbon tax allocation and means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier and less expensive to heat.
Increasing the uptake of energy efficiency measures among homeowners continues to be a key priority for my Department working in partnership with the SEAI. Further policies and measures will be introduced on an annual basis to support the achievement of our retrofit and heat pump targets.
The most recently published statistics for SEAI residential and community energy retrofit programmes by scheme, county, measure type, and more can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/home-upgrades
Energy Prices
Ceisteanna (142, 157)
Edward Timmins
Ceist:142. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to explain the current level and the movement in electricity costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73215/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMairéad Farrell
Ceist:157. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the gap between retail and wholesale prices of energy in Ireland, which is the highest in the world, and how energy prices have fallen much more slowly in Ireland relative to other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73223/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 157 together.
Regulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, and subsequent legislation. The CRU is an independent regulator, accountable to the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. However, officials from my Department engage with the CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets.
The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked fifth for electricity prices and eighth for household gas prices among European countries in the first half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, Ireland is mid-table in terms of energy affordability with the twelfth highest electricity and gas prices among European countries.
The CRU published a report on retail energy markets in September 2023 in relation to competition and supplier pricing in the energy market. The report was in response to a request by the then Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to examine supplier hedging practices and pricing strategies in the Irish energy market. Based on a review of supplier prices and wholesale market costs, the CRU considered that retail prices are broadly continuing to reflect underlying cost drivers, such as wholesale gas and electricity prices, but with a lag period due to supplier hedging strategies.
The CRU also published a report comparing household electricity and gas prices between Ireland and other European countries in 2024. This report outlined that hedging strategies employed by energy suppliers lessened the impact of price increases for households but resulted in elevated retail prices when compared to other European countries.
Under the Programme for Government 2025, we have committed to commissioning an independent review into the speed and level of pass through from wholesale prices to retail prices, with an additional assessment of the overall price dynamics and a focus on the competitiveness of the Irish economy. I have written to the CRU to commence work on this review and my officials have held initial discussions with the regulator in relation to progressing this commitment.
My Department has also established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The taskforce's first report set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 141.
Renewable Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (144)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:144. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on his Department’s involvement in the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce and the development of an associated policy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73217/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department chairs the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (“ARE Taskforce”) which brings together officials from relevant Government Departments and agencies to identify the barriers to renewable growth and develop solutions to remove or minimise those barriers.
Under the aegis of the ARE Taskforce, work is underway on developing a supporting policy framework for Ireland’s electricity supply, one that will deliver a regional balance and distribution of renewable technologies, including solar PV and onshore wind, and enable Ireland’s electricity supply to keep pace with economic growth, protecting Irish homes and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices through the deployment of indigenous wind and solar energy across our regions.
As part of this approach, Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations for solar and onshore wind were included in the First Revision of the National Planning Framework, published in April 2025. Further to the publication of the revised NPF, each Regional Assembly will be required to commence a revision of their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). As part of this RSES revision, each Regional Assembly will need to adopt a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy.
Officials from my Department are actively working with the three Regional Assemblies to support them in the integration of the capacity allocations as part of the development of these Regional Renewable Energy Strategies, which will translate the regional allocations into local authority-level targets and will inform City and County Development Plans, ensuring alignment between local plans and national policy.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (145, 148)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:145. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will carry out a review of the home suitability criteria under the SEAI, free energy upgrades warmer homes scheme; if he will reduce the restrictive nature of criteria on type of house build to qualify for measures under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73069/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:148. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he or his Department plan to change the criteria for the warmer homes scheme to ensure houses that require fossil boiler replacements are eligible to apply; if there are plans to allow additional home heating options as a result of EU regulations which no longer allow for the replacement of fossil fuel boilers through the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73205/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 148 together.
The 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 carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The scheme seeks to reduce the amount of energy a household needs by reducing heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replacing heating systems where required under Building Regulations. This is in line with the fabric first/energy efficiency first principle and best practice.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades recommended for a particular property depend on many factors, including age, size, type and the condition of the property. For each eligible home, the SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded. The SEAI is piloting the installation of renewable technologies, including heat pumps where major renovations are taking place under the scheme.
These pilots are helping us assess the suitability of such technologies in the context of energy poverty and long-term value for money. The scope of upgrades under the scheme is kept under ongoing review and my Department continues to work closely with the SEAI to ensure we maximise the impact of resources available.
We remain committed to ensuring that low-income households benefit from Ireland's renewable energy transition and will continue to explore how best to integrate other technologies into our energy poverty programmes.
Wind Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (146)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:146. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department have forecasted the viability of Ireland becoming a net exporter of wind energy by 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland's ambition to become a clean energy exporter is reliant upon on the successful development of clean, indigenous energy production, reduced energy costs and the development of interconnectors with other countries to enable us to both import and export energy with Britain, France and others.
In the past few weeks we have seen the successful conclusion of the Tonn Nua offshore wind energy auction which will generate 900 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy in the first of four sites in the South Coast DMAP area. This builds on the 3.8 gigawatts (GW) which are in the pipeline from five phase one projects in the planning system on the east coast.
Officials in my Department are continuing to work on preparations for further auctions for the remaining three sites in the South Coast DMAP, including on the development of a surveying programme to support and de-risk the auction process, as well as the development of a National DMAP which will aim to designate sufficient maritime area to deliver on our target of 20 GW of offshore renewable energy by 2040.
On interconnection, this year saw the launch of the Greenlink Interconnector, a 500 MW interconnector between Ireland and Wales, which doubles the State's total interconnection capacity to 1 GW. The 700 MW Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France is under construction and will connect us directly with mainland Europe and the Integrated EU Energy Market when integrated to the grid in 2028. The MaresConnect project is also in development and it is anticipated that it will be commissioned by 2030. We are also exploring the feasibility of additional future connections to more countries.
As our offshore generation portfolio grows, export is envisaged to become a more important route to market for Irish electricity. Ireland’s Interconnection ambitions are well set out in the National Policy Statement on Electricity Interconnection 2023.
The policy document and supporting analysis, including details of potential benefits, are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/national-policy-statement-on-electricity-interconnection-2023/
Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan
Ceisteanna (147)
Pa Daly
Ceist:147. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the impact the suitability of Ireland’s waters will have on the development of offshore wind in Ireland (details supplied) and on reaching our climate targets; if he will outline the recommendations of a report he recently received on the matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72820/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In advance of the recent auction to procure 900 MW of ORE at the Tonn Nua site in the South Coast DMAP, my Department collected through procurement or from surveys, geophysical, geotechnical and metocean data to examine site conditions in support of the auction process.
The publication of these datasets contributed to the success of that auction by informing and de-risking the process for potential bidders, by evaluating the suitability of the site for ORE development and identifying potential challenges to that development.
Similar surveying work will take place at the Lí Bán site in 2026 and a surveying programme to 2030 is being developed by officials in my Department to conduct these works at other sites earmarked for ORE development.
The report which is referred to, the Offshore Wind Technical Resource Assessment, was published by my Department in May of this year and can be accessed on gov.ie
The Technical Assessment []puts forward several recommendations regarding Ireland’s approach to offshore wind development, including fixed and floating turbines, supply chain management and cross-border co-operation, which includes interconnection projects.
It is important to clarify that this Technical Assessment's quoted figures of a potential to develop 3-18 gigawatts of offshore wind energy is additional to the 3.8 gigawatts anticipated from the phase one projects and the approximately 4.5 gigawatts expected to be developed in the South Coast DMAP areas. The sum total of these figures, at around 26 gigawatts , far outstrips our 2040 targets as well as foreseeable energy demand. Finally, the figure also does not include any floating wind, our potential for which is estimated by that same Technical Assessment at over 90 gigawatts.
Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 145.
Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan
Ceisteanna (149)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:149. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department is taking to accelerate the delivery of offshore wind energy projects, including grid connection, planning timelines and port infrastructure readiness; the key barriers currently delaying deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73231/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government is committed to having 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity in development by 2030, with a longer-range target of 20 gigawatts by 2040.
Five offshore wind projects off our East coast, with planned capacity of 3.8 gigawatts, are presently in development, with planning determinations anticipated by the end of 2026. I anticipate these projects being in construction by 2030 and operational by 2031/32.
Earlier this month, I announced that a consortium of ESB and Orsted had won my Department’s second offshore wind auction and will be developing a 900-megawatt project off the coast of Waterford. This project was the first of four to be brought to auction from the South Coast DMAP, designated by the Oireachtas in October 2024 for offshore wind development off the coasts of Cork, Waterford and Wexford.
I am presently developing proposals for an auction of the second site, Lí Ban, with potential capacity of up to 1.5 GW. My Department is working closely with Eirgrid to develop grid connection options and is separately commissioning surveys of the Lí Ban site to inform the auction. The remaining sites will follow soon after.
In September, my Department started the process of developing a National DMAP that will designate sufficient additional sites around our coast to deliver on the 2040 target of 20 GW. This process will complete by the end of 2027.
In relation to port capacity, new dedicated offshore wind port infrastructure is already in construction at the Port of Cork and will be ready for use in 2026, well in advance of expected demand. Separately, the Ports of Waterford, Rosslare, Shannon Foynes and Cork (Phase 2) all have further plans for new port facilities in the consenting system.
In relation to planning, my Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to transpose the Renewable Energy Directive III and to accelerate the delivery of offshore wind by further streamlining the maritime development consent system. This includes the introduction of mandatory timelines for decisions by An Coimisúin Pleanála and other consenting bodies.
Renewable Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (150)
Joe Neville
Ceist:150. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the plans his Department has to upscale and increase the roll out of solar panels across residential, commercial and agricultural sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73235/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government on 21 December 2021 to support Ireland’s ambitious targets for micro-generation installations under the Climate Action Plan. The MSS provides supports to both domestic and non-domestic applicants, in the form of grants for solar PV installations, up to a maximum of €1,800 for household installations. These grants are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Since its launch in 2022, when over 10,000 homes received support, the Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme has grown each year with 22,214 and 28,000 homes receiving grant support in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The second phase of the MSS commenced on 22 September 2022, when the SEAI extended the Solar PV Grant Scheme to the non-domestic sector including schools, businesses, small farms and community enterprises. To date over 3,600 applications have been made, supporting over 1,900 installations with a capacity of over 100 MW with grant support of over €21 million.
The Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme is a targeted scheme for the installation of solar PV panels for customers/households who are registered on the life support category of the Priority Services Register. These homes have a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including medical equipment, life protecting devices and assistive technologies, including dialysis machines or respirators. As such, these households may have a higher energy demand than the average user and this scheme is designed to go some way towards helping to reduce those energy costs.
The scheme is operated by the SEAI in conjunction with energy suppliers, with each energy supplier contacting their own eligible customers directly in line with the work plans for their solar PV installers. Eligible households can avail of a fully funded 2kWp solar PV system including survey/design, supply, installation, and the post works BER. It is important to note that suppliers, who manage the administrative aspects of the scheme under SEAI, issue offers to eligible homeowners in batches.
Due to the strong uptake and the positive impact already observed in over 470 homes, the scheme is now in the process of being extended to include as eligible all homeowners who are registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register with their energy supplier, regardless of when they were registered. Energy suppliers will communicate this update to eligible customers as the eligibility criteria are revised, and qualifying homeowners are identified to benefit from the scheme.