Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
142. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether consideration has been given to the introduction of financing supports aimed at encouraging investment in renewable energy technologies and residential energy efficiency upgrades, including apartment-based solar generation technologies such as plug in balcony solar systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39892/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to driving increased retrofitting and home energy upgrades, including renewable energy technologies. A range of measures have been introduced in recent years under the National Residential Retrofit Plan to support this commitment, including early in 2026 when an enhanced package of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) retrofit supports were introduced with significant increases in grant supports.
The new and increased grant rates I announced in January 2026 include: increased attic and cavity insulation grants; significantly increased heat pump grants; new grants for windows and doors; higher attic insulation grants for first time buyers; and increased grants for Approved Housing Bodies to upgrade homes, supporting also multi-unit developments; and added support for older people accessing retrofits under the Healthy Age Friendly Homes initiative. All of these will help put homeowners on the pathway to decarbonising their homes.
These measures have seen applications for individual home energy upgrades up by 186% on Q1 2025, solar PV applications up 65% and overall applications up 96%. Budget 2026 has allocated a record €640 million for the SEAI’s residential and community schemes, supporting even more households to avail of grants to upgrade this year.
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, which launched in April 2024, is intended to play a crucial role, alongside grants from SEAI, in helping homeowners invest in energy upgrades to make their homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower emissions and lower bills. It was developed by my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the SEAI, and the European Investment Bank Group.
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 significantly lower interest rates to those currently on the market. Rates start from as low as 2.99% with price varying depending on the finance provider.
My Department and the SEAI continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technologies (including those referenced by the Deputy), and other relevant factors, making appropriate changes as necessary.
