Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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223. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise if the traditional homes pilot scheme requires successful applicants to engage a one stop shop; if they can engage with appropriate providers that are not on the one stop shop panel to carry out retrofit works on their traditional home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29342/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department funds a number of grant schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their buildings, and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems.

The SEAI launched a pilot scheme for the retrofit of traditionally built homes in September 2024. The initial pilot is limited to 100 dwellings with the objective of gathering data on technical issues, materials, products, and installation costs of the types of solutions set out in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage guidance: Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Specifiers and Installers.

The pilot scheme is currently available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which provides an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.

Under the pilot scheme, home upgrades will be delivered for homeowners through registered One Stop Shops, supported by a home-owner appointed qualified traditional building professional. Under the pilot scheme, the grant supports for energy efficiency upgrade measures will be at the same level as currently available under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme as outlined on the SEAI website under National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop.

Any decisions to expand traditional home retrofits beyond the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the network of One Stop Shops will be informed by the findings of the pilot scheme which are expected in 2026.