Energy improvements are becoming an increasingly important part of household planning, and a recent event in Dún Laoghaire gave residents direct access to advice, funding information and local expertise. More than 200 people attended Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Energy Upgrades at Home & in the Community event on 10 October 2026.
Dublin news: residents explore home energy improvements
Hosted at County Hall, Dún Laoghaire, the free event was organised by the council’s Architects and Energy Team. Its aim was to help householders and community organisations understand how energy upgrades can reduce bills, improve comfort and support climate action.
Attendees could speak with representatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, SSE Airtricity’s One-Stop-Shop, CORE Credit Union, CODEMA Dublin’s Energy Agency and Sustainable Energy Communities. A BER assessor was also available to explain the role of building energy ratings when planning improvements.
Advice covered grants, finance and solar power
Three information sessions gave visitors an overview of:
- Home energy upgrades and available financing options
- Practical ways to reduce energy use and household costs
- Solar energy for homes and community buildings, including relevant grants
The format allowed residents to ask questions directly rather than relying on general information. Community groups were also able to explore potential support for energy projects in shared buildings and local facilities.
Local climate action supports lower-carbon communities
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said its own energy programme had delivered a 61% improvement in public-sector energy efficiency by 2025, exceeding the Government’s 2030 target of 50%. The council also reported a 29% reduction in carbon emissions as it works towards the national 2030 reduction target of 51%.
Measures across council operations include LED public lighting, solar photovoltaic installations, heat pumps, building upgrades and continued efforts to reduce emissions from its vehicle fleet. The council was also shortlisted for the SEAI Energy Awards, with the winner scheduled to be announced on 4 November.
An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Barry Saul, said that residents need clear and practical information to make informed decisions about decarbonisation and energy efficiency. Chief Executive Frank Curran added that supporting households and community organisations is an important part of creating a low-carbon county.
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What homeowners can take from the event
Residents considering an upgrade can begin by reviewing their property’s energy performance and identifying the improvements most suitable for the building. Speaking with trusted providers and checking official grant information can help people compare options, costs and potential savings.
Useful first steps include:
- Arrange or review a Building Energy Rating assessment.
- Ask about insulation, heating, ventilation and renewable-energy options.
- Check eligibility for SEAI grants and other financial supports.
- Compare installer and finance options before committing to work.
- Consider whether a local Sustainable Energy Community can provide guidance.
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The takeaway for Dublin households
The Dún Laoghaire event showed the value of bringing residents, public agencies, finance providers and energy specialists together. For households and community groups, reliable advice is a crucial first step toward reducing energy costs, improving comfort and making realistic long-term upgrades. Dublin news of this kind highlights how local action can contribute to Ireland’s wider climate goals.
