Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he is taking to support families to move away from solid fuels for home heating but who cannot afford or whose home is not suitable for heat pump installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the improvements in household energy saving grants in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14827/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their dwellings. 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.
The SEAI domestic retrofit programmes are available to all households, including those reliant on solid fuel for heating, to support the fabric upgrade of buildings (e.g. insulation), as well as solar PV and heat pump installation.
Under the Warmer Homes Scheme, the upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, the SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded.
Following Government approval last month, I have published a National Residential Retrofit Plan including an enhanced set of measures to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades.
The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 will continue to make home energy upgrades more accessible and affordable making it easier for homeowners to undertake deep retrofits on a phased basis as suits their budgets. The new measures announced include new and enhanced attic and cavity wall insulation grants, an enhanced heat pump system grant, as well as grants for windows and doors. The new recently announced Heat Pump System Grant will reduce the costs associated with a whole house heating system upgrade. The new maximum grant of €12,500 encompasses the existing maximum of €6,500 for the heat pump, €2,000 for upgrading radiators and pipework and a new renewable heating bonus of €4,000.
My Department and the SEAI will 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.
