National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026: Making Home Energy Upgrades More Affordable Than Ever

The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 is set to make home energy upgrades more affordable, accessible, and flexible for homeowners across Ireland.

Announced by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, the expanded package of grants will be administered by SEAI and is designed to help more households enjoy warmer homes, lower energy bills, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Last year alone, over 58,000 homeowners benefited from SEAI energy upgrades. These new measures aim to widen access even further in 2026 — supporting everyone from first-time buyers to older homeowners and those at risk of energy poverty.

What’s New in 2026?

🔧 More Flexible, Phased Home Upgrades

Homeowners will be able to upgrade their homes step by step, with higher grants and wider eligibility, making deep retrofits achievable at a pace that suits individual budgets.

🪟 New Windows and Doors Grant

A brand-new grant will support the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors, helping improve comfort and bring homes closer to heat-pump readiness.

💶 Higher Grants for Key Groups

• Increased supports for homeowners on Qualifying Welfare Payments

• New targeted support for First Time Buyers of existing homes

• Expanded funding for Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities

• Enhanced community-based supports for older and vulnerable households

Key Grant Changes – Important Dates

From 3 February 2026

Attic & Cavity Wall Insulation – Higher Grants

Grant levels for attic and cavity wall insulation will increase, reflecting rising costs and significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for homeowners.

Heat Pump System Grants – Up to €12,500

A new fixed-amount heat pump system grant will reduce the barrier of upfront costs. This includes:

• €6,500 for the heat pump

• €2,000 for radiator and pipework upgrades

• €4,000 renewable heating bonus

A high-temperature heat pump pilot scheme will also launch to assess performance and running costs in Irish homes.

From  2 March 2026

Windows & Doors Grants (Fabric Standard Required)

Available for homes that already meet — or will meet — a minimum building fabric standard. In many cases, attic and wall insulation grants will help homes qualify.

Attic Insulation for First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers of existing homes can access enhanced attic insulation grants, often covering most or all of the cost — ideal for starting the retrofit journey without committing to a full upgrade.

‘Second Wall’ Insulation Grant

Homeowners who previously received cavity or internal wall insulation grants can now apply for a second wall upgrade, helping improve comfort and prepare homes for heat pumps.

Extra Support for Homeowners on Welfare Payments

To tackle energy poverty and speed up access to low-cost, high-impact upgrades:

• Higher fixed grants for attic and cavity insulation

• Grants may cover most or all of the total cost

• Availing of these grants will not affect eligibility for the Warmer Homes Scheme or waiting list position

Supporting Communities & Social Housing

🏘 Local Authority Homes

Local Authorities will now be able to access Better Energy Homes grants for shallow upgrades (like attic insulation and heating controls), alongside existing deep retrofit programmes.

🤝 Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs)

Grant rates for AHBs will increase to:

• Around 75% of total upgrade costs

• Up to 80% for fuel-poor households

With additional support through energy efficiency obligation schemes, over 90% of retrofit costs may be covered in some cases.

One Stop Shop: Upgrade Everything in One Go

For homeowners who want a fully managed, all-in-one upgrade, the popular SEAI One Stop Shop service continues:

• All works handled by an SEAI-registered provider

• Grants deducted upfront from the cost

• Access to new, higher grant rates

• Optional low-cost loan options through participating lenders

A Major Investment in Irish Homes

Between 2019 and the end of 2025, the Government invested €1.67 billion, supporting energy upgrades in over 244,000 homes. The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 builds on that momentum — making it easier than ever to retrofit your home.