The Energy Efficiency/Retrofitting Programme was launched in 2013 to improve the insulation standards and overall energy performance of the local authority social housing stock. The programme is being implemented in two phases: Phase 1 provides funding targeted at the less intrusive cavity wall/attic insulation, while Phase 2 focuses on fabric upgrade works to dwellings with solid/hollow block wall construction and includes the provision of heating upgrades.
Since the programme commenced, over 68,000 social homes have been retrofitted, with a total exchequer spend of some €128 million. For 2019, a further €25 million is being made available to local authorities under the programme and allocations for this year will be issuing to local authorities shortly. It should be noted that it is the responsibility of local authorities to identify and prioritise properties for inclusion in the programme.