Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
33. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the assistance available to churches and religious buildings to install solar panels and related facilities on their premises; and whether he will give consideration to making additional support available for such works for older churches where communities already face considerable challenges in meeting the costs of light, heat and general upkeep of such buildings. [38059/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides various supports, all of which are available to churches and religious buildings, which can assist buildings in increasing their energy efficiency and lowering their carbon emissions, thereby lowering their energy costs.
The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG) provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors, including religious buildings, to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. This technology reduces commercial electricity costs and increases security of supply, while enhancing a positive sustainability image. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €162,600 for installations of up to 1000kWp for rooftop and ground mounted solar PV systems.
I am advised that there are a number of churches who have availed of the solar PV support from the SEAI to address their energy costs and emissions. In addition, support is available for a range of building upgrades from the SEAI including building fabric, doors and windows, heat pumps and other measures.
One example of a project is Saint Bernadette’s Church, Clogher Road, Crumlin which undertook a comprehensive heat pump upgrade and underfloor heating, cutting energy costs and emissions substantially. I am advised that this project received 50% grant support from the SEAI Community Energy Grant Scheme. Details of the project can be found at:
www.eurotechrenewables.ie/church-project-in-ireland/
