Many Irish homeowners are looking to renovate their properties, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce their carbon footprint. Fortunately, there are several government-backed schemes and home improvement grants available to help offset the costs. For example: SEAI offers grants ranging from €700 for heating controls to €8,000 for external wall insulation. The Housing Adaptation Grant provides up to €30,000 for making homes suitable for people with disabilities, while the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme offers up to €8,000 for essential repairs. This guide will walk you through the various options available.
Quick Table Overview of Available Grants
| Grant Name | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| SEAI Fully Funded Energy Upgrade | 100% of costs | Low-income households, home built before 2006 |
| SEAI Individual Energy Upgrade Grants | Up to 80% of costs, varies by upgrade | Homes built before 2011/2021 |
| SEAI One Stop Shop Service | Up to 50% of deep retrofit cost | Homes built before 2011 |
| Housing Aid for Older People Scheme | Up to €8,000 | 66+ years old, income threshold |
| Housing Adaptation Grant | Up to €30,000 | People with disabilities, means-tested |
| Vacant Home Refurbishment Grant | Up to €50,000 (€70,000 for derelict) | Vacant 2+ years, built before 2007 |
| Commercial Solar PV Grant | Up to €162,600 | Businesses, farms, schools, non-profits |
| TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme | Up to 60% of cost (max €90,000) | Active farmers, 5+ hectares |
SEAI Grants: Leading the Way in Energy Efficiency
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a range of grants designed to help homeowners make their properties more energy-efficient. For 2024, the SEAI has divided its grants into three main categories:
1. Fully Funded Energy Upgrade
This scheme provides free energy efficiency upgrades to eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty.
Amount: 100% of costs covered
Application: https://www.seai.ie/
Apply: Online through SEAI website
Eligibility:
- Must be the homeowner and it must be your main residence
- Home built and occupied before 2006
- Home energy rating of C, D, E, F, or G
- Receive one of several social welfare payments (e.g., Fuel Allowance, Working Family Payment)
Tips:
- Check if you qualify for multiple welfare payments to increase eligibility
- Be prepared for a potential waiting list
- Ensure your home hasn’t received upgrades under this scheme before
2. Individual Energy Upgrade Grants
These grants cover a range of individual energy upgrades that homeowners can choose from and manage themselves.
Amount: Varies by upgrade type, up to 80% of costs
Application: https://www.seai.ie/
Apply: Online through SEAI website
Eligibility:
- Home must be built before 2011 for insulation and heating controls
- Home must be built before 2021 for heat pumps and renewable systems
- Must be a homeowner (including landlords)
- First-time applicants for each type of grant
Available grants:
- Attic Insulation: €800 – €1,500
- Cavity Wall Insulation: €700 – €1,700
- Internal Insulation: €1,500 – €4,500
- External Wall Insulation: €3,000 – €8,000
- Heat Pump System: €4,500 – €6,500
- Heating Controls: €700
- Solar Hot Water: €1,200
- Solar PV: Varies based on system size
Tips:
- Wait for grant approval before starting work
- Use SEAI registered contractors
- Keep all receipts and documentation
3. One Stop Shop Service
This service offers a comprehensive home energy upgrade, from assessment to completion, managed by approved One Stop Shop providers.
Amount: Up to 50% of the cost of a deep retrofit
Application: https://www.seai.ie/
Apply: Through SEAI registered One Stop Shops
Eligibility:
- Homes built before 2011
- Must achieve minimum B2 BER after upgrades
Available upgrades:
- Insulation (attic, wall, floor)
- Windows and doors
- Heat pump systems
- Solar PV
- Ventilation systems
- And more
Tips:
- Compare different One Stop Shop providers
- Consider the long-term energy savings
- Be prepared for a significant upfront investment
- Take advantage of the project management aspect
How to Apply for SEAI Grants
- Choose your energy upgrades
- Find an SEAI registered contractor
- Apply online at the SEAI website
- Get approval before starting work
- Complete the work
- Submit Declaration of Works form
Other Home Improvement Schemes
1. Housing Aid for Older People Scheme
This scheme, managed by local authorities, provides grants of up to €8,000 on average for home improvements for people aged 66 or older. The home must be the applicant’s main residence.
Amount: Up to €8,000
Application: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/
Apply: Through your local authority
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be 66 years or older
- The house must be your main residence
- Your total household income must be below a certain threshold
Tips:
- Prioritize essential repairs and improvements
- Get multiple quotes for the work
- Apply before starting any renovations
2. Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
This grant helps fund necessary adaptations to make a home suitable for a person with a physical, sensory, or intellectual disability or mental health difficulty.
Amount: Up to €30,000
Application: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/
Apply: Through your local authority
Eligibility:
- Based on household means test
- Adaptations must be necessary and cost-effective
Tips:
- Get an occupational therapist’s assessment
- Obtain multiple quotes for work
- Apply before starting any adaptations
3. Vacant Home Refurbishment Grant
This scheme offers up to €50,000 (with an additional €20,000 top-up for derelict properties) to renovate vacant properties. The property must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 1993.
Amount: Up to €50,000 (€70,000 for derelict properties)
Application: https://www.gov.ie/
Apply: Through your local authority
Eligibility:
- Property must be vacant for 2+ years
- Built before 2007
- Must be used as primary residence or for rent
Tips:
- Provide clear evidence of the property’s vacancy period
- Prepare a detailed refurbishment plan
- Consider combining with other energy efficiency grants
Commercial and Agricultural Grants
For farmers and businesses, there are additional grant opportunities:
1. Commercial Solar PV Grant
Part of the SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme, this grant offers up to €162,600 for systems up to 1000kWp for businesses, farms, schools, community centers, and non-profit organisations for installing solar PV systems.
Amount: Up to €162,600 for systems up to 1000kWp
Application: https://www.seai.ie/grants/business-grants/commercial-solar-pv/
Apply: Online through SEAI website
Eligibility:
- Available to businesses, agricultural sector, public bodies, schools, and non-profit organizations
- Premises must have been built and occupied on or before 31st Dec 2020
Tips:
- Get quotes from multiple SEAI-registered contractors
- Don’t start work until you receive the grant offer letter
- Consider the long-term energy savings potential
2. TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme
This scheme offers farmers grants covering up to 60% of the cost for solar investments, with a maximum investment ceiling of €90,000.
Amount: Up to 60% of the cost, with a maximum investment ceiling of €90,000
Application: https://www.gov.ie/
Apply: Through the farmer’s agfood account
Eligibility:
- Must be an active farmer
- Must have a minimum of 5 hectares of eligible land
- Must be registered for farming in the year of application
Tips:
- Ensure your farm meets all eligibility criteria
- Consider the energy needs of your farm operations
- Combine with other TAMS measures if applicable
Tips for Successful Grant Applications
- Always check official websites for the most up-to-date information
- Consult with professionals (architects, engineers) for complex projects
- Get multiple quotes from registered contractors
- Keep all documentation and receipts
- Follow application procedures carefully
- Be prepared for potential delays in processing
- Consider combining multiple grants where possible
Conclusion
With the variety of grants available, 2024 is an excellent time for Irish homeowners to invest in energy-efficient upgrades and necessary home improvements. By taking advantage of these schemes, you can not only reduce your energy bills but also contribute to Ireland’s sustainability goals. Remember to thoroughly research each grant’s specific requirements and consult with professionals to ensure you maximise the benefits of these programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of home improvement grants are available in Ireland?
The most popular grants include the Better Energy Homes Scheme for energy efficiency upgrades, the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, and the Warmer Homes Scheme for those on certain social welfare payments
Who is eligible for home improvement grants in Ireland?
Eligibility varies by grant type. Generally, homeowners whose properties were built and occupied before 2011 can apply for energy efficiency grants. For disability and older people grants, eligibility is often based on age, disability status, and sometimes income
How much can I receive from home improvement grants?
Grant amounts vary widely. For example, the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability can provide up to €30,000, while the Better Energy Homes Scheme offers up to €26,500 for various energy upgrades
How do I apply for home improvement grants?
Application processes differ by grant type. For energy grants, you typically apply through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website. For housing adaptation grants, applications are usually made through your local authority
Can I combine different home improvement grants?
In some cases, yes. For example, you might be able to combine energy efficiency grants with other home improvement schemes. However, you generally can’t receive multiple grants for the same specific improvement
