Beyond heat pumps, SEAI runs a range of grants for insulating and upgrading the energy efficiency of existing Irish homes, from single-measure attic insulation to full deep retrofits. This page is general information, not an official grant offer.
Individual grants versus the One Stop Shop route
Homeowners can generally apply for individual grants directly — attic insulation, cavity or external wall insulation being the most common — or go through an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop, which project-manages a full bundle of works (insulation, heat pump, ventilation) aimed at reaching a specific post-works BER target, often with access to a dedicated low-cost home energy upgrade loan. The One Stop Shop route generally costs more in absolute terms but reduces the coordination burden on the homeowner.
What insulation grants generally cover
Attic and wall insulation grants are typically calculated as a fixed contribution toward the cost of materials and installation by a registered contractor, with the exact amount depending on the type of work and current SEAI rates. Older homes with solid or hollow-block walls and no existing cavity often see the largest comfort and efficiency improvement from wall insulation specifically, though the right measure for any individual home depends on its construction type.
Sequencing matters
SEAI generally recommends addressing insulation (the building's ability to retain heat) before or alongside upgrading the heating system itself, since installing a heat pump into a poorly insulated home tends to perform worse and cost more to run than expected. This is also why some grants, like the heat pump grant, require a minimum insulation standard to qualify.
Key takeaways
Decide between the individual-grant and One Stop Shop route based on how much project coordination you want to take on yourself, address insulation before or alongside heating upgrades where possible, and confirm current grant amounts and contractor lists directly on seai.ie.