Ireland Announces New €2,000 Boiler Scrappage Scheme for Heat Pumps
Irish households replacing fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps will be eligible for a new €2,000 top-up grant starting October 6, according to climate minister Darragh O’Brien. The measures form part of government efforts to improve energy affordability and support a transition to cleaner energy, backed by a combined maximum support of up to €14,500 when paired with existing retrofitting grants.
Breakdown of the Heat Pump and Boiler Scrappage Grants
The new support structure adds a €2,000 renewable fossil fuel boiler scrappage scheme to existing grants worth up to €12,500. According to government figures, maximum combined supports can reach €14,500 for eligible homeowners. The funding breaks down into distinct categories depending on installation and upgrade requirements.
Up to €6,500 is allocated directly for the heat pump system. Homeowners can also receive up to €2,000 for upgrade works to central heating components such as new radiators or underfloor heating. Additionally, a €4,000 renewable heat bonus grant makes up the remaining major portion of the funding package.
Eligibility Requirements for the Scrappage Scheme
The scrappage support targets properties built before 2021 that currently rely on oil, kerosene, gas, electric storage heaters, liquefied petroleum gas, solid fuel, or properties lacking any central heating system. Homeowners must switch to a renewable energy source like a heat pump to qualify.
Central Statistics Office data shows that natural gas was the primary heating fuel for 48 percent of urban homes in 2024, while kerosene led rural locations at 41 percent. Building Energy Rating data indicates that approximately 205,000 homes, or 15 percent of houses in Ireland, currently use heat pumps.
Application Timelines and Upcoming Policy Changes
Applications already in progress for heat pump installations will see the new grant apply automatically without requiring customer action, provided works are not yet completed or final declarations of work are still awaiting payment. Those applications take effect beginning October 6.
Minister O’Brien stated that he brought a boiler scrappage scheme proposal to Cabinet in September to target oil and kerosene boilers at the end of their lifespan. Further eligibility options will expand by the end of January 2027 to include connections to district heating systems or the installation of efficient electric heating systems. Additional measures will also be considered as part of Budget 2027, alongside a roadmap on energy affordability detailed in an action plan slated for release.