Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
32. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm whether eligibility for grants for insulation will be expanded under the SEAI programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44541/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to driving increased retrofitting and home energy upgrades. A range of measures have been introduced in recent years under the National Retrofit Plan to support this commitment, including early in 2026 when an enhanced package of Sustainable Energy of Ireland (SEAI) retrofit supports were introduced with significant increases in grant supports for energy efficiency measures. The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 will continue to make home energy upgrades more accessible and affordable.
The grants available through the SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as best value for money for the Exchequer.
The new and increased grant rates I announced in January 2026 include: increased attic and cavity insulation 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 increase by 186%, Solar PV applications increase by 65% and overall applications up 96% versus Q1 2025.
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, as well as preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and the continued development of the SEAI retrofit schemes, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
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 technology and other relevant factors, making appropriate changes as necessary.
