Ireland must accelerate heat-pump installations twentyfold and at least double the pace of general home retrofits to meet national energy efficiency targets, according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. In its annual review of the built environment, the Government’s independent advisory body warned that recent emission drops stem from a warmer winter rather than true structural progress.
Scaling Up Retrofits and Heat Pumps to Meet Targets
The built environment requires an aggressive scale-up to meet long-term climate goals under European Union law, according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. Council chairman Alex White stated that current trajectories fall well short of what is required to protect households from global price volatility and energy insecurity. While emissions from homes fell by 5 per cent and commercial and public buildings dropped by 3.5 per cent last year, the council’s report attributes these figures primarily to a warmer winter reducing demand for oil and gas, which still heat 90 per cent of buildings.
Progress on social-housing retrofits lags significantly behind schedule. The council reported that only 10,370 homes have been retrofitted since 2021 against a target of 36,500 by 2030. To bridge this gap, approximately 5,000 retrofits are needed annually between now and 2030. For privately owned properties, retrofits brought 84,270 homes up to a building energy rating of B2 between 2019 and 2025, falling short of the 120,000 target. Meanwhile, heat-pump installations rose by 21 per cent last year, but the total of 18,550 installations in existing homes between 2019 and 2025 represents just 41 per cent of the 2025 target and sits far below the 400,000 target set for 2030.
Did you know? Applications for home-energy upgrade grants surged by 96 per cent in the first three months of this year following the introduction of enhanced grants in January, signaling a strong public appetite when financial supports are accessible, according to the council’s findings. Check out our home energy upgrade guide for details on current funding options.
Phasing Out Fossil Fuels and Protecting Vulnerable Households
EU law mandates a clear plan for phasing out oil and gas boilers for heating by 2040, a transition the council insists requires immediate policy and legislative backing. The advisory body also called for swift regulatory decisions to permit apartment dwellers and renters to utilize plug-in solar panels. Furthermore, the council warned against postponing planned increases in the carbon tax, which funds green initiatives and aids those facing fuel poverty. Following the delay of a scheduled increase, the council urged the Government to maintain its planned trajectory and ensure revenues remain ringfenced.
To shield consumers from recurrent energy crises, the council advised that temporary cost-of-living supports introduced during the fossil fuel crisis should target only the most vulnerable rather than continuing as universal energy credits. Chairman Alex White emphasized that relying heavily on fossil fuels leaves public services, businesses, and households exposed to global price spikes. For further reading on fiscal policies impacting energy transitions, see this external resource on Government climate policies.
Pro Tip: Homeowners planning upgrades can maximize their financial support by combining national grants with local authority schemes, though early application is vital given high demand.
Preparing Buildings for Extreme Weather and Climate Impacts
Beyond reducing emissions, the advisory body flagged serious concerns regarding the resilience of buildings against extreme weather and sea-level rise. Government commitments to establish “pathfinder” schemes examining ways to protect coastal properties from erosion, storm surges, and rising seas have not yet begun. The council expressed strong concern over the lack of a timeline to conclude this essential work, labeling it a critical component for effective risk management in vulnerable coastal communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current targets for heat-pump installations in Ireland?
The Climate Change Advisory Council states that heat-pump installations must increase twentyfold, reaching a goal of 400,000 installations in existing homes by 2030, up from the 18,550 installed between 2019 and 2025.
Why did building emissions drop last year?
Emissions fell by 5 per cent in homes and 3.5 per cent in commercial and public buildings primarily due to a warmer winter that reduced heating demand, rather than structural progress, according to the council’s report.
What is the advisory body’s stance on the carbon tax?
The council warned against further postponements of planned carbon tax increases, urging the Government to maintain its trajectory and ringfence funds to support vulnerable households transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Join the Conversation
What steps should the Government take to accelerate home retrofits and protect vulnerable households from energy price hikes? Share your thoughts in the comments below, explore our related energy efficiency archive, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.
Keep reading