Is there a grant for external insulation?
SEAI External Wall Insulation (EWI) Grants
External Wall Insulation (EWI), often referred to as "wrapping" your house, is one of the most effective ways to upgrade the energy efficiency of older Irish homes. By applying insulation boards to the outer walls and finishing them with a protective render, you eliminate drafts and cold bridging without losing any internal floor space.
Because EWI is a premium construction job, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides substantial grant funding to make the upgrade affordable for homeowners.
SEAI External Insulation Grant Rates (2026)
The grant amount is determined by the style and size of your property. Below are the current funding caps:
- Apartment (Mid or End-of-Terrace): €3,000
- Mid-Terrace House: €3,500
- Semi-Detached or End-of-Terrace House: €6,000
- Detached House: €8,000
Eligibility Criteria
To secure the SEAI External Wall Insulation grant, your property must meet the following criteria:
- Age of Property: The house must have been built and occupied before 2011 (to verify, check when the electricity meter was connected).
- Registered Contractor: The work must be carried out by an SEAI registered contractor. Self-installed insulation is not eligible.
- BER Assessment: You must carry out a post-works Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment, for which a separate €50 SEAI grant is available.
Why External Insulation is a Smart Investment
While the gross cost of wrapping a semi-detached house ranges from €12,000 to €18,000, the €6,000 SEAI grant reduces the net investment by up to 50%. The benefits are immediate: thermal comfort is enhanced, the exterior facade gets a fresh, clean render finish, and heating demand is cut by up to 40%, raising your BER rating significantly.