Reducing household energy use can lower bills, improve comfort and support Ireland’s climate targets, but many residents are unsure where to begin. A recent event in Dún Laoghaire brought more than 200 residents, community groups and energy specialists together to explain available upgrades, grants and financing options.
The Energy Upgrades at Home & in the Community event was held at County Hall on Saturday, 10 October 2026. Organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Architects and Energy Team, the free gathering offered practical guidance for homeowners, community organisations and groups responsible for local buildings.
Energy advice and grants in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
Attendees could speak directly with organisations including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, SSE Airtricity’s One-Stop-Shop, CORE Credit Union, CODEMA Dublin’s Energy Agency and Sustainable Energy Communities representatives. A BER assessor was also available to help explain how building performance can influence upgrade decisions.
Three information sessions addressed some of the most common questions facing households and community groups:
- How to plan and finance home energy upgrades
- Practical steps to reduce energy consumption and costs
- Solar power for homes and community buildings, including relevant grant supports
The event gave visitors an opportunity to compare options, ask questions and identify improvements suited to their property rather than relying on general advice online.
Why energy efficiency matters locally
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said its own progress demonstrates the potential of sustained energy management. By 2025, the council had achieved a 61% improvement in public-sector energy efficiency, exceeding the Government’s 2030 target of 50%. It also reported a 29% reduction in carbon emissions while continuing work towards the national 2030 reduction target of 51%.
Measures across council operations include LED public lighting, solar photovoltaic installations, heat pumps, building improvements and the gradual decarbonisation of its vehicle fleet. The council’s approach was also recognised through its shortlisting for the SEAI Energy Awards, with the winner scheduled to be announced on 4 November.
Community action supports a lower-carbon county
Councillors and council officials emphasised that climate action depends not only on public-sector projects but also on informed decisions by households and community organisations. The event received support from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment through the “We’re Taking Climate Action” DZ Demonstrator funding programme.
For people following Dublin news, the gathering highlights how local services can connect residents with reliable information about insulation, heating systems, renewable energy and financial assistance. It also reflects growing interest in practical solutions that make buildings more affordable to run.
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What residents can do next
Households considering improvements can begin by reviewing their property’s energy performance, identifying the biggest sources of heat loss and checking official grant information before choosing a contractor. Community groups may also benefit from exploring collective projects, professional assessments and renewable-energy funding routes.
The key lesson from the Dún Laoghaire event is straightforward: trusted advice can make energy upgrades easier to understand and more achievable. By combining expert guidance with available supports, residents and community groups can reduce costs, improve buildings and contribute to a cleaner Dublin region.
