Tuesday, 24 Feb 2026

Wind Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (140)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

140. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm that his attention has been drawn to the HSE’s 2017 Position Paper on Wind Turbines and Public Health being withdrawn; to outline when, if at all, his Department engaged with the HSE regarding its withdrawal, particularly in light of his Department’s responsibilities in relation to environmental noise; to set out the guidance that is now being relied upon for public health considerations relating to wind turbine noise; the steps he intends to take next; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14833/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment’s responsibilities on environmental noise is limited to those sources that are contained in the EU Environmental Noise Directive. This Directive does not extend to noise generated by wind turbines. As such, wind turbine noise from operational wind farms does not fall under my remit.

I understand that, as part of their ongoing quality assurance processes, the HSE undertook a review of their 2017 HSE Position Paper on Wind Turbines and Public Health. Further to this review, the HSE decided to withdraw the Position Paper in November 2025. My Department was not part of this review.

Wind energy is bolstering Ireland's energy security and helping reduce our exposure to imported fossil fuel. Recently published data from EirGrid shows that onshore wind accounted for 33% of our electricity fuel mix in 2025. This week we are due to reach 8 gigawatts of renewable generation capacity with onshore wind as the largest contributor to this, at over 5 gigawatts.

Guidance regarding wind turbine noise in Ireland is provided for in the planning system. The Wind Energy Development Guidelines sets out the conditions which should be applied to planning permissions to protect nearby noise sensitive locations.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently undertaking a review of the existing guidelines. This review will address key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation community dividend and grid connections.

I am advised that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will undertake a public consultation on the draft guidelines, whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft before its finalisation.

Pending the finalisation of the National Planning Statement, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.

Questions Nos. 141 to 146, inclusive, answered orally.

Climate Action Plan

Ceisteanna (147)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Ceist:

147. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when he will publish the revised climate action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14772/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis. We are making significant strides towards our renewable energy targets, prioritising the development of offshore wind capacity and have approved an investment of €18.9 billion in our Grid, supporting electrification of homes, businesses and transport. The 2025 target for EV sales was surpassed in October and I have just announced an unprecedented package of new and enhanced grants for homeowners under the National Residential Retrofit Plan.

Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years, despite the concurrent demographic and economic growth with an additional 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads.

The Joint Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment issued its report on the proposals for the second Carbon Budget Programme in October. The process around the carbon budgets was delayed due to the general election and the formation of Oireachtas Committees.

The carbon budgets have significant implications for our economy and society. They need to be carefully considered to ensure that, as the country transitions, affordability, competitiveness and energy security are paramount.

This process necessarily delays the completion of the next Climate Action Plan so that it can address these matters and the full Carbon Budget Programme. Climate Action Plan 2025 and the preceding plans are very comprehensive and their delivery is my top priority. In parallel work is underway, in anticipation of the outcome of the Carbon Budget process, with a view to bringing an updated Plan to Government later this year.

Questions Nos. 148 to 151, inclusive, answered orally.

Wind Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (152)

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

152. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 298, 301 and 302 of 10 February 2026, whether his Department has undertaken a delivery risk assessment of the 5 GW offshore wind target for 2030 in light of the anticipated planning determinations in 2026, construction timelines to 2030, and grid connection dates extending to 2031 and 2033; the total offshore wind capacity currently dependent on port or transmission infrastructure that is not yet operational; whether contingency measures are in place should planning, grid or port infrastructure timelines slip, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14830/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Government is committed to the development of 5 gigawatts of installed offshore wind capacity, with projects in construction by 2030.

I am anticipating that the first planning determinations of our Phase One offshore wind projects will be made by An Coimisiún Pleanála later this year. Subject to approval, I believe we will see these projects move quickly from planning to procurement and construction and then to energisation in the early 2030s. As the Phase 1 projects are responsible for the construction of the offshore transmission assets related to their projects, the construction of these assets will proceed at the same pace as the wind farms.

Our commercial State ports have made significant progress regarding the development of infrastructure for the facilitation of offshore wind energy. I am advised that each port is expecting to have their proposed port infrastructure available in advance of demand from the Phase One developers.

For the Phase Two 900 megawatt Tonn Nua project off the coast of Waterford, EirGrid will be constructing the offshore transmission assets and is on track to make a grid connection available by 2033, as originally specified in the Tonn Nua auction terms and conditions.

I am also developing proposals for an auction for the second South Coast DMAP site, known as Lí Ban, with potential capacity between 900 and 1,500 MW. This site will bring the State's offshore wind capacity considerably beyond the 5 gigawatts offshore wind target and help mitigate any projects potentially not proceeding. Plans for the development of the remaining two South Coast DMAP sites will follow, and further sites will be designated as part of the National DMAP, contributing towards our longer range target of 20 gigawatts by 2040.

Wind Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (153)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

153. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the percentage of energy used in 2025 that was generated by indigenous wind power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14524/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Programme for Government reaffirmed Ireland’s target of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewable energy sources.

This week we are due to reach 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity. This is a remarkable achievement as it means we have added approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity in just ten years. This includes a doubling of our wind capacity to over 5 GW, and establishing solar energy as a major pillar of our energy supply.

Onshore wind remains Ireland’s dominant source of renewable energy and is second only to natural gas for overall electricity generation. Ireland is among world leaders for installed onshore wind capacity per capita. We get a greater share of our electricity from onshore wind than anyone else in Europe, with recently published data from EirGrid showing that it accounted for 33% of our electricity fuel mix in 2025.

Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum through 2026 and beyond as we deliver on the transition to a renewables-led system. This will involve the development of a balanced portfolio of technologies, including wind, solar, storage, and flexibility services to complement other measures, such as demand-side response. It will also require unprecedented levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.

Three cross-Government taskforces, the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARET) for onshore renewables, the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT), and the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, continue to ensure the implementation of effective policies designed to deliver an accelerated and increased level of renewable generation capacity and related infrastructure, including strengthening the electricity grid and increasing electricity storage.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (154)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

154. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions that have been taken by the ESB to strengthen their infrastructure and network in light of Storm Éowyn in January 2025 to improve resilience in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14238/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Government is taking steps with immediate and medium term impacts to improve the resilience of critical energy networks.

In February 2025 I asked ESB Networks (ESB-N) to prepare a Winter Resilience Plan to enhance the grid in the most vulnerable locations following Storm Éowyn. Core work undertaken includes:

• remedial works to the network;

• working with Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify segments of the network at highest future risk;

• replenishing emergency stocks, spare parts and materials;

• increasing staffing levels and available contractor resources; and

• establishing formal mutual aid arrangements for extreme weather events.

ESB-N is also increasing the number of access officers who engage with landowners on forestry work.

My Department is preparing legislation to enhance ESB-N’s powers to manage vegetation. The Government approved the Heads of this Bill in July and work on advancing the legislation continues as a matter of priority.

Significant investment in the electricity grid which supports overall resilience is ongoing. In December, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published Price Review 6 (PR6) which sanctions investment in the grid to 2030. The CRU have proposed approval of an investment of up to €18.9 billion, with a €13.8 billion baseline investment guaranteed.

Under the 2024 National Adaptation Framework, a new suite of Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) across 13 key sectors, including electricity and gas networks, were approved and published by Government in November 2025.

The Electricity and Gas Networks Sectoral Adaptation Plan (EGN SAP) aims to enhance the future resilience of the energy sector to the long-term impacts of climate change. The plan will ensure the energy sector can effectively manage risks and maintain service continuity into the future.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (155)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

155. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of retrofits under the warmer homes scheme that were completed in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14525/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

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.

Improving the energy efficiency of our homes through schemes like the Warmer Homes Scheme are a key pathway to addressing energy affordability and reducing household exposure to energy price changes.

The Warmer Homes Scheme continued to significantly scale up in 2025, delivering ahead of targets for the scheme. The scheme delivered 9% more property upgrades, 24% more upgrades to Building Energy Rating of B2, and 11% more heat pump installations than originally targeted for 2025.

8,139 homes were upgraded under the scheme in 2025 representing a more than five-fold increase in output since 2020. The average cost per home upgraded under the scheme in 2025 was €29,590, underlining the significant Government investment in upgrading these homes.

Importantly, the SEAI are currently establishing a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Quarter 2 this year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme.

To help maximise delivery and continue to improve waiting times, Budget 2026 has provided €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 fully funded home upgrades for 2026.

This record level of funding underlines the Government’s commitment to addressing energy poverty and means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (156)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

156. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department is reviewing the remunicipalisation of domestic waste collection in Dublin; the way in which they would go about implementing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14753/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

In early 2025, the Department commissioned an independent year-long study to explore the feasibility of transitioning our national waste collection from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system. A franchise tendering system involves competitive tendering for local waste collection services which means competition for the market. In this model private sector collection firms bid to provide waste collection services in an entire local authority area (or a grouping of local authority areas) for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.

The primary aim of the study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets. Notwithstanding this overarching study objective, it will also examine service efficiency and the cost to consumers. The comprehensive year-long study includes a public consultation, assessment of the current market and environmental and economic modelling.

The study will be completed this year. Its recommendations including any future policy decisions in relation to waste collection and regulatory arrangements will help to inform the next iteration of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. Any future decisions will be taken in line with the relevant framework and following appropriate consideration of the study’s findings.

It should be noted that under the Waste Management Act the statutory responsibility for decisions on waste collection arrangements, including any move towards franchise tendering, ultimately rests with the Chief Executive of each local authority. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory executive function vested in it.

Questions Nos. 157 and 158 answered orally.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (159)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

159. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when Ireland will formally leave the Energy Charter Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14625/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Ireland has begun the process of formal withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) in a coordinated manner alongside other EU Member States, following negotiations as part of a bloc, led by the EU Commission.

Each Member State has different rules regarding treaties, both the joining and exiting of them. In Ireland’s case, a decision to withdraw from an international treaty, such as the Energy Charter Treaty, is a matter of executive power under Article 29 of the Irish Constitution and will require a Government Decision.

Given her formal role in international treaties, a Memorandum for Government regarding the formal exit from the Treaty will be brought by my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and this decision will formally end Ireland’s membership. My officials are working right now with the Department of Foreign Affairs to expedite this process.

The Government is committed to exiting the ECT as soon as is practicable and I expect that the relevant Memorandum will be brought to Government in the very near future. It is expected that the process of formally leaving the Treaty will be underway before the beginning of Ireland’s presidency.

Ireland is still a member of the Treaty and will remain so until we officially leave. However, the Government's position remains that Ireland will exit the Treaty.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (160)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

160. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the rationale for not taking secondary fuels into account when determining Ireland's N-1 compliance in the Department's security of supply reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14065/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The EU N – 1 infrastructure standard describes the ability of the technical capacity of the gas infrastructure to satisfy total gas demand in the calculated area, in the event of disruption of the single largest gas infrastructure during a day of exceptionally high gas demand, occurring with a statistical probability of once in 20 years. The formula for calculating the N-1 infrastructure standard, as set out in Annex II of EU Regulation 2017/1938, does not include the contribution of potential mitigation that could be provided by secondary fuel switching by gas-fired electricity generators in Ireland.

One of the key documents that informed the Energy Security Package was the 'Review of the Security of Energy Supply of Ireland’s Electricity and Gas Systems'. This review considered the risks to both gas and electricity supplies, focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition to renewable energy by 2050. The review included a technical analysis conducted by Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA) and a public consultation run by my Department. The role of secondary fuelling in Ireland's energy security architecture was included in this technical analysis.

In 2024, my Department engaged CEPA to carry out an updated analysis of security of energy supply in Ireland covering the period beyond 2030. This updated analysis focused on the ability of the proposed solution to meet the N-1 infrastructure standard for gas in 2035 and 2040. Given the formula for calculating this standard does not include the contribution of potential mitigation that could be provided by secondary fuel switching by gas-fired electricity generators in Ireland, it did not form part of this focused analysis.

State Bodies

Ceisteanna (161)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

161. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether State-owned electricity companies are required to report gross profit percentages or sums to him. [14263/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Bord na Móna (BnM), Eirgrid and ESB are State-owned electricity-related companies under the aegis of my Department. While companies may choose to present a gross profit figure in their financial statements, it is not a legislative requirement. BnM and EirGrid report their gross profit figures in their publicly available financial accounts each year. ESB does not include a figure for gross profit in their published accounts however, my Department does receive that information, when requested.

The 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (the Code) defines the Annual Report as “A report detailing the State body’s activities and financial performance during the preceding year. It includes the financial statements and may generally also include reports from those charged with governance (for example, the Chairperson of the Board), a review of the State body’s strategy and performance, information on risk management and governance, alongside other information for stakeholders".

In accordance with the Code, Bord na Móna, Eirgrid and ESB must report on its financial performance. There are also other financial reporting requirements, set out in legislation such as the Companies Act 2014 and adherence to accounting practices such as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or FRS 102.

The consideration of the annual report and accounts of bodies under the aegis of my Department is the cornerstone of corporate reporting and provides the State as shareholder with relevant information on financial performance, enabling the promotion of effective governance and aligning with goal 5 of my Department’s Strategy, Le Chéile 28.

In addition to formal reporting requirements my Department hosts quarterly shareholder meetings with all bodies under my Department's aegis, at which regularly updated financial information is provided. These meetings form a crucial part of the overall governance framework.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (162)

Edward Timmins

Ceist:

162. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress Ireland is making to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2050 in order to avoid the substantial fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14826/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis. Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years, despite the concurrent unprecedented demographic and economic growth including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads.

We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030 and we are now prioritising the development of offshore wind capacity. This Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport. The 2025 ZEVI target for electrical vehicle sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October 2025 and I have just announced an unprecedented package of new and enhanced grants for homeowners across the country who are looking to benefit from home energy upgrades under the National Residential Retrofit Plan.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent emissions reporting (May 2025) confirms that Ireland has recorded overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for a third consecutive year, with a decrease of 6.8% in 2023 followed by a further 2% reduction in 2024. The latest EPA quarterly indicator report for Q3 2025 indicates that emissions fell 2.8% in Q3 2025 compared with Q3 2024.

In respect of the EU requirements, Ireland’s target to reduce emissions under the revised Effort Sharing Regulations is 42% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. Under existing compliance arrangements, Member States can meet their targets through direct emissions reductions, as well as through additional compliance options.

The EU framework does not provide for the imposition of direct fines or penalties, or the use of carbon credits or payments to international carbon offset schemes. However, it does allow for the purchasing of surplus allowances from overperforming Member States, which could have significant costs. Estimating these costs is currently not possible due to data limitations as there is currently no established market or set cost for allowances.

Illegal Dumping

Ceisteanna (163)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

163. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of illegal dumping collected by the four Dublin local authorities in each of the years 2020 to date in 2026; the measures his Department is taking to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14754/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Under the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with the local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate awareness, enforcement, clean-up and disposal actions in relation to illegal dumping, taking account of local circumstances and priorities. As such, the Department does not hold information on the levels of illegal dumping occurring in individual local authorities. Questions relating to the level of illegal dumping in Dublin should be directed to the relevant local authorities.

However, the Department continues to provide significant support to the local authority sector in their efforts to deal with incidences of illegal dumping. €23 million has been provided to local authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was launched in 2017, including €2.89 million in 2025, to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. A further €3 million will be allocated in support of the ADI in 2026.

The Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme. Since this scheme was established in 2003, almost €160 million has been provided to local authorities by the Department in order to support the ongoing recruitment and retention of a network of waste enforcement staff across the country. A further €7.7 million has been allocated under this scheme in 2026, including over €1.8 million to the four Dublin local authorities.

Climate Action Plan

Ceisteanna (164)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

164. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the funding for north Dublin under the 2026 Community Climate Action Programme; the total funding since 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14824/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

My Department is committed to supporting local communities to take climate action.

Funding is provided directly to Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council under Strand 1 of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP). Strand 1 of the CCAP supports Local Authorities to build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way.

This strand of the CCAP provides a total of €53.9 million in funding across two phases to all local authorities. This funding facilitates community projects that contribute to national climate and energy targets at a local level.

The first phase of Strand 1 of the CCAP started in 2023 and will complete in Quarter 2, 2026. In the first phase, Fingal County Council received an allocation of €1,127,000 of which €788,535 has been drawn down.

For the first phase, Dublin City Council received an allocation of €1,938,000 and have drawn down €1,414,679 to date. However, as Dublin City Council’s operational area includes areas other than north Dublin, it is estimated that just over half of this allocation went to projects in north Dublin.

The second phase of Strand 1 of the CCAP was launched in October 2025 and will provide funding throughout 2026 and 2027. Under the second phase, both Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council received the same allocations as under the first phase of €1,127,000 and €1,938,000 respectively.

Additionally, Strand 2 of the CCAP also provides funding to projects located in north Dublin. This strand of the CCAP aims to build capacity within communities to decarbonise and further engage in Climate Action. Under Strand 2, four projects in North Dublin received a combined total allocation of funding of €1,547,483 in 2023.

Examples of projects funded under Strand 2 include the Bohemian Football Club’s ‘Spark’ project, the Rediscovery Centre (Ballymun) ‘Building Circular Economic Opportunities in Communities’ project, the National Women’s council ‘Feminist Communities for Climate Justice’ project and the GAA ‘Green Clubs Programme’.

Grant Payments

Ceisteanna (165)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

165. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration will be given to the inclusion of new-build properties in the current solar PV grant, in view of the fact that those building new homes do not qualify for this grant and taking into account that most new builds are run exclusively on electricity only with homes being expensive to run and solar energy would offset these running costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14760/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides grant support of up to €1,800 for domestic solar PV installations. Grants are available to support installations to houses built and occupied prior to 2021.

Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in 2022, the scheme has gone strength to strength. 10,000 homes received support in 2022 followed by 22,214 in 2023 and 28,000 in 2024. Last year, over 33,000 installations were supported. This high level of demand and delivery indicates that the scheme is working well and that citizens recognise the significant benefits of investing in Solar PV.

The current scheme built on the success of a previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the eligibility criteria were changed from those houses built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021. This increased the number of homes eligible for grant support.

New build homes must follow Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. The cost of installing Solar PV systems during the new build process is significantly lower than for existing homes.

Targeting the grant scheme at older homes makes the most efficient use of limited Exchequer funding for the scheme. There are no plans to change the building year requirement but grant eligibility is kept under review.

The Deputy may wish to note that new homes can obtain a zero percent VAT rate for the supply and installation of solar panels. This is a permanent change that came into effect from 1 May 2023. This measure underlines the Government’s commitment to help households save money on their energy bills.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (166)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

166. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to expand and upgrade the warmer homes and the better energy scheme for low-income households to include external wall insulation and replace all single glazed windows with double glazing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14597/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

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 Warmer Homes Scheme has included external wall insulation and window upgrades since 2018. This was a very positive step forward and opened the scheme up to many who would have been unable to afford these measures.

These deeper measures increased both demand for the scheme and the average cost of upgrading a home, which has impacted on waiting times. However, providing these measures also moves homes closer to the level of energy performance required to install heat pumps.

The upgrades recommended for a particular property depend on many factors including age, size, type and the condition of the property. Typically, under the scheme, only single glazed windows would be replaced where the walls of the property are also being insulated.

8,139 homes were upgraded under the scheme in 2025 representing a more than five-fold increase in output since 2020. The average cost per home upgraded under the scheme in 2025 was €29,590, underlining the significant Government investment in upgrading these homes. Of the homes completed, just under 6,000 received an external insulation upgrade and just under 1,000 received a window upgrade.

To help maximise delivery, Budget 2026 provided record funding of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 upgrades. This underlines the Government’s commitment to addressing energy poverty and means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat.

In January, Government published a National Residential Retrofit Plan including an enhanced set of measures to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades. These measures 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.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (167)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

167. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on progress made to date by his Department in relation to the National Biomethane Strategy, in particular regarding the development of centralised planning guidelines for suitable locations for biomethane and biogas plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to aid development of an indigenous biomethane sector of scale.

Chaired by my Department, with close support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress and is comprised of a number of focused sub-groups, namely: Sustainability, Infrastructure, Industry, and Economic Issues. Membership of the group includes key Government Departments, State Agencies, and industry representatives.

The group continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to monitor implementation, and a full progress report on delivery of actions within the National Biomethane Strategy is now published on the biomethane policy information page on the Gov.ie website.

Although a very well-established technology in Europe with over 20,000 anaerobic digestor (AD) 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 sector 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.

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 a support document to assist local representatives and planning authorities when assessing planning applications for biomethane plants. It is expected the support document will be finalised in 2026.