Donegal receives second highest funding allocation for retrofitting

Donegal County Council has received an allocation of €10.6 million under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP).

The funding is part of €140 million allocated for local authorities to support the retrofit of around 3,500 social homes across Ireland.

This is an increase of €50 million on the amount allocated and drawn down by local authorities in 2025. The average grant available per property across a local authority’s annual retrofit programme will increase from €34,000 to €38,000.

"The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme has made a huge impact nationally and in Donegal, both in terms of the quality of our housing stock and in addressing the challenges of climate change,” Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, emphasised. 

"Over 11,000 homes have been deep retrofitted since the scheme was first introduced and this increase in funding would see an additional 3,500 social homes retrofitted by the end of 2026. 

“We are in the middle of a housing crisis and, as Minister, I will do everything in my power to deliver the homes we need at scale, but we must also make sure that our existing housing stock is brought up to a very high standard. 

“These homes will be safer, cleaner, and healthier for those living in them and better for our environment. Furthermore, the funding will be allocated in such a way that we can make sure the money is spent, the work is carried out, and the results are delivered."

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Dublin City was allocated the highest amount at €16,958,000, while Donegal received the second-highest allocation. 

“This funding will ensure that thousands of our citizens living in social housing across our county will benefit from warmer, healthier, and more comfortable homes,” Donegal Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport & Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, said. 

“By significantly increasing the grant per property to €38,000, the government is making sure that the retrofits are deep and meaningful, directly tackling fuel poverty and reducing energy bills for families across Donegal.

 “Donegal received the second largest allocation in the country after Dublin City. I thank Minister James Browne for his continued support of Donegal’s housing needs. This funding is allocated to ensure results are delivered on the ground, and I look forward to Donegal County Council rolling out these vital improvements over the coming weeks and months. 

"While the government’s primary focus remains on increasing the supply of new homes, we must also invest in the quality of our existing stock. These upgrades mean homes will be safer and cleaner for residents while contributing to our national climate targets. 

“The EERP is a cornerstone of the Government’s climate and housing strategies. Since its inception, over 11,000 homes have been retrofitted nationwide. This latest funding boost aims to retrofit an additional 3,500 social homes by the end of 2026, bringing existing housing stock up to the highest modern standards.” 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme