Ireland’s retrofit slowdown threatens climate targets and household energy savings
EPA warns weaker uptake of home energy upgrades and heat pumps is widening the gap between climate ambition and delivery
28 May 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
Ireland’s retrofit programme is losing momentum, according to new Environmental Protection Agency projections which show slower uptake of home energy upgrades and heat pumps is reducing expected emissions savings from the residential sector.
The EPA’s latest greenhouse gas emissions projections show residential emissions are now expected to reduce by up to 18% by 2030, reflecting lower-than-anticipated delivery of retrofit measures across existing homes.
The findings come as Ireland remains significantly off track from its legally binding climate targets. Even with full implementation of planned policies and measures, national emissions are projected to reduce by up to 25% by 2030, against the State target of 51%.
For homeowners, the slowdown has implications beyond climate policy. Residential emissions are primarily linked to home and water heating, particularly in older homes dependent on oil and gas systems. Delays in retrofit delivery also mean continued exposure to higher energy costs and poorer energy efficiency.
The EPA said lower uptake of home energy improvement measures, including planned heat pump installations in existing dwellings, has weakened projected emissions savings from the residential sector by 2030.
EPA Director General Dr Eimear Cotter said the current pace of delivery is insufficient to meet national climate commitments.
“The EPA’s projections show that the current rate of delivery of the Climate Action Plan and associated policies could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 – only half of the reductions needed,” she said.
She added that there must be a renewed focus on implementation given the limited time remaining before 2030.
While some sectors are showing improved progress, including transport emissions linked to increased electric vehicle adoption, the EPA said the gap is widening in residential emissions reductions.
EPA Programme Manager Dr Conor Quinlan said ambition and action must be maintained across all sectors if Ireland is to meet its climate targets and achieve the wider benefits of decarbonisation.
The report is likely to intensify pressure on Government to accelerate retrofit delivery and simplify access to grants and upgrade supports. Consumers continue to report challenges around upfront costs, contractor availability and navigating retrofit options.
The EPA said achieving emissions reductions would also deliver wider public benefits, including reduced reliance on fossil fuels, improved energy security, green employment opportunities and public health gains.
With fewer than four years remaining to 2030, retrofit delivery is increasingly seen as central to both climate policy and household energy resilience in Ireland.
