Jack Chambers has announced more funding for SEAI grants in Budget 2027. 

The grants, which are used to retrofit properties, are designed to reduce energy bills and cut the nation’s carbon emissions. 

Presenting the budget to Dáil Éireann, the Minister for Public Expenditure said Ireland’s economy is in a “position of strength” due to the “hard work and dedication of the Irish people”. 

The Fianna Fáil TD announced that the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment had been allocated a budget of €1.3 billion. 

“This provides for a record capital allocation of €664.5 million for the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes,” he told TDs. 

“This will deliver more solar PV and a package of enhanced renewable energy and retrofit grants - including a boiler scrappage scheme to support permanent reductions to the cost of living.” 

Solar panels on the roof of a house. Picture by: Radharc Images / Alamy.

Speaking to Newstalk, TU Dublin economist Emma Howard said these measures primarily benefit the middle class, who own their home and can afford to retrofit it. 

“We know that like higher income households are far more likely to be adopting these greener technologies that do reduce their energy costs,” she explained. 

“If you don't have €5,000, €6,000 to pay up front for solar panels, it doesn't matter that that subsidy is there - you can't afford them. 

“We need to be looking at means testing or low zero interest loans to really support those lower income households to actually decarbonise and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. 

“Because we don't know what's going to happen to oil prices; it's unlikely they're going to come down anytime soon.”

The Irish Government has set a target of retrofitting 500,000 homes to a B2 BER energy standard. 

Main image: Simon Harris and Jack Chambers holding umbrellas on the steps of Government Buildings. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.