Louth County Council allocated just shy of €9 million for retrofits in 2026

Louth County Council have been allocated just shy of €9 million in funding to carry out retrofits across the county in 2026. 

The €8.8 million funding was announced by Housing Minister James Browne as part of a wider €140 million for local authorities. 

The funding represents an increase on the Louth County Council's drawdown of just over €5 million for retrofits in 2024.

However, it comes at a time in which councillors have been told Louth County Council expects the number of homes retrofit in 2026 to be "nowhere near" its original target. 

Councillors had been told there would be 300 retrofits carried out this year but said it is "hopeful" it will complete 200 in 2026. 

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Minister Browne said the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme has made a "huge impact nationally and in Louth". 

"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."

"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," he said. 

Minister Browne announced that the average grant available per property across a local authority’s annual retrofit programme will increase from €34,000 to €38,000. 

Retrofitting is the process of upgrading your home to improve its energy efficiency though insulation, heating systems, solar panels and heat pumps.

Louth County Council confirmed it carried out 142 retrofits in 2025. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.