Mayo households to benefit from expansion of home energy upgrades

MAYO TD and Minister of State, Alan Dillon has welcomed new measures that will make home energy upgrades more affordable and accessible for households across the county.

The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 launched by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien includes an enlarged package of grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The plan includes increased grants for attic and cavity wall insulation as well as a new Heat Pump System Grant with increased support from €6,500 to €12,500. This grant encompasses the existing €6,500 for the heat pump, €2,000 for upgrading radiators and pipework and a new renewable heating bonus of €4,000. 

Minister of State, Alan Dillon welcomed the new scheme saying that it will reduce costs for families, accelerate retrofitting, and support vulnerable and older homeowners.

He added that the measures represent 'a major step forward in helping Mayo households cut energy bills, improve comfort, and future proof their homes'.

“These measures will make a real and immediate difference to households across Mayo. Whether it’s a young couple buying their first home, an older person living alone, or a family trying to reduce heating bills, these expanded grants will help people upgrade their homes more affordably and more quickly.

“Mayo has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, and these supports will help thousands of homeowners improve comfort, cut energy costs, and prepare their homes for the future. I will continue working closely with SEAI and Mayo County Council to ensure that our county benefits fully from these enhanced schemes,” Minister Dillon said.

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A new grant will be introduced for the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors (to replace poorly performing windows and doors) for homes where the building fabric will meet or already meets a specified minimum performance standard.

First time buyers will be able to avail of a higher fixed grant for attic insulation than would otherwise be the case while homeowners eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme can now access 100 percent of median costs for attic and cavity insulation.

Other initiatives in the scheme include a pilot programme for High Temperature Heat Pumps and a dedicated coordinator will work with Mayo County Council to help older homeowners access grants, surveys, and upgrade advice.

For more information, go to www.seai.ie/homeenergyupgrades.