The Irish Government has announced a significant expansion of home energy upgrade supports, with increased grant amounts designed to help homeowners improve comfort, reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions. Delivered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the enhanced grants form part of the National Residential Retrofit Plan and were recently confirmed by Darragh O’Brien. The updated package places a strong emphasis on improving the building fabric of homes first, making energy upgrades more affordable and achievable for a wider range of households.
Grant increases apply across a number of common retrofit measures, including attic and cavity wall insulation, while new grants have been introduced for energy-efficient windows and doors, helping homeowners take a more holistic approach to upgrading their properties. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a fixed heat pump grant of up to €12,500, which now includes allowances for associated works such as radiators and pipework, alongside a renewable heating bonus. These changes are intended to simplify the process for homeowners and encourage more people to transition to low-carbon heating solutions.
The expanded scheme also introduces targeted supports to improve accessibility and fairness. First-time buyers purchasing existing homes can now avail of higher attic insulation grants, while homeowners in receipt of qualifying social welfare payments may access increased fixed grants for insulation works. In addition, households that have already completed wall insulation in the past may now be eligible for a second wall insulation grant, supporting phased retrofit approaches. Enhanced funding is also being made available to local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and community energy initiatives. Together, these measures represent a substantial step forward in supporting Ireland’s transition to a more energy-efficient housing stock and empowering homeowners to future-proof their homes.
At McKevitt King Architects, we regularly advise clients on how best to integrate energy upgrades into wider design, retrofit and planning strategies. Whether you are considering a phased retrofit of an existing home, planning a full renovation, or preparing a planning application, early architectural input can help ensure energy measures are thoughtfully designed, compliant with regulations and tailored to your home. With increased grant support now available, this is an ideal time for homeowners to explore how good design can unlock long-term energy efficiency, comfort and value.
https://www.seai.ie/news-and-events/news/increased-grant-amounts-for-homeowners
