Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
262. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of recent increase in energy costs if it is proposed to make amendments to the recent home energy upgrade grant schemes announced by the SEAI in January 2026; if so, the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31182/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra303. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he plans to review SEAI grant levels for solar PV and other energy upgrades given the increase in costs and the urgency of requirement of renewables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30641/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners in improving 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, such as the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) which provides supports to domestic applicants, in the form of grants for solar PV installations up to a maximum of €1,800, as well as fully-funded energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in 2022, the scheme has gone from 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, with over 7,000 homes supported so far in 2026 and applications of over 10,000, a 60% increase year on year. 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.
Following Government approval earlier this year, 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 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.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce, was formed to identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households. The Taskforce is now leading the response to the energy shock, and the immediate associated energy affordability challenge. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and continued development of the SEAI retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
