O’Shea Welcomes SEAI Figures Showing Almost 38,000 Cork Homes Upgraded Through National Retrofit Programmes

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has welcomed new statistics from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) confirming that almost 38,000 properties across Cork have benefitted from the National Home Retrofit Programmes since 2015.

Deputy O’Shea said the figures demonstrate a major and sustained investment in improving energy efficiency, reducing household energy costs, and supporting climate goals across the county.

“In 2015, approximately 2,000 Cork homes benefitted from retrofit supports. That figure has now trebled, and we are on course to see over 6,000 properties upgraded in 2025 alone,” Deputy O’Shea stated.

“This represents well over €30 million of investment into Cork this year, supporting householders, reducing emissions, and delivering warmer, more efficient homes. It is also supporting local contractors, building professionals, and energy specialists—creating jobs and strengthening our local economy.”

Deputy O’Shea noted that the National Home Retrofit Programmes encompass a wide range of schemes delivered through the SEAI, including:

• The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme – offering one-stop-shop full home energy upgrades.

• The Better Energy Homes Scheme – providing grants for insulation, heating controls, heat pumps and solar PV.

• The Warmer Homes Scheme – free energy upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty.

• The Community Energy Grant Programme – supporting community and not-for-profit energy upgrade projects.

• Solar PV Grants – supporting homeowners to install solar panels and reduce electricity bills.

“These schemes are delivering substantial benefits right across Cork,” he added. “Cork has been one of the strongest-performing counties in the country when it comes to home energy upgrades. The level of investment now flowing into retrofit projects is unprecedented and is delivering long-term benefits for communities across Cork North West and the wider county.”

Deputy O’Shea said he will continue to work with Government colleagues to ensure retrofit supports remain accessible, affordable, and well-funded.

“Retrofitting is delivering real and measurable improvements to people’s everyday lives. It cuts bills, enhances comfort, and contributes to our national climate commitments. I strongly welcome SEAI’s latest figures and the continued commitment to supporting households in Cork.”