Major expansion of home energy upgrades for Mayo homeowners
A comprehensive package of new measures will make home energy upgrades more affordable and accessible for households across Mayo, said Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD. The changes, introduced through the SEAI Better Energy Homes (BEH) Scheme and related programmes, will reduce costs for families, accelerate retrofitting, and support vulnerable and older homeowners.
Minister Dillon said the measures represent “a major step forward in helping Mayo households cut energy bills, improve comfort, and future proof their homes.”
The key benefits are:
Increased grants for attic and cavity wall insulation
Grant levels are being increased to reflect current market costs. Mayo homeowners will now receive up to 80% of the median cost of attic and cavity wall insulation. This will reduce upfront costs and help more households complete quick, high impact upgrades that cut heat loss and energy bills.
Major boost for heat pump installations
A new Heat Pump System Grant increases total support from €6,500 to €12,500.
This includes funding for central heating upgrades and a Renewable Heat Bonus. This will make it easier for Mayo families to switch from oil or gas to clean, efficient heating systems.
Pilot Programme for high temperature heat pumps
Mayo homes with older radiators or limited insulation may benefit from this pilot.
It allows homeowners to move away from fossil fuels without major fabric upgrades.
Support for older people through healthy age friendly homes (HAFH)
A dedicated coordinator will work with Mayo County Council to help older homeowners access grants, surveys, and upgrade advice. Up to 10,500 homes nationally will benefit, with strong potential uptake in Mayo’s rural and ageing communities.
Higher insulation grants for households on social welfare payments
Homeowners eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme can now access 100% of median costs for attic and cavity insulation through BEH. This will help reduce the current two year waiting list and deliver upgrades sooner for vulnerable Mayo households.
New attic insulation grant for first time buyers
First time buyers of older homes in Mayo will receive higher fixed grants to help them begin their retrofit journey. This supports young families facing high mortgage and renovation costs.
New windows and doors grant
For the first time, homeowners can receive grants for high performance windows and doors once their home meets heat pump ready standards. This will help Mayo households improve comfort and reduce drafts, especially in older rural homes.
Second wall insulation measure now allowed
Homeowners who previously received cavity or internal wall insulation can now upgrade to a deeper measure. This will help many Mayo homes reach heat pump ready status.
Support for local authority housing
A new mechanism will allow Mayo County Council to upgrade homes outside the existing social housing retrofit programme.
Minister Dillon said: “These measures will make a real and immediate difference to households across Mayo. Whether it’s a young couple buying their first home, an older person living alone, or a family trying to reduce heating bills, these expanded grants will help people upgrade their homes more affordably and more quickly.
‘Mayo has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, and these supports will help thousands of homeowners improve comfort, cut energy costs, and prepare their homes for the future. I will continue working closely with SEAI and Mayo County Council to ensure that our county benefits fully from these enhanced schemes.”