PRESS RELEASE
11th May, 2023
The Housing Agency secures support to advance retrofitting in multi-apartment buildings
- Research to contribute towards reducing energy poverty and meeting Ireland’s net-zero emission targets -
The Housing Agency will receive support under the European Commission Technical Support Instrument (TSI) for a multi-country project involving Ireland, Austria and Lithuania on building decarbonisation. The project will include research of multi-unit developments’ (MUDs) finances and governance, to advance methods of whole-of-building retrofitting in apartment buildings. Retrofitting apartment buildings will contribute towards meeting Ireland’s net-zero emission targets, and reduce the risk of energy poverty.
The announcement was made at the Housing Agency’s Housing Practitioners’ conference taking place in Limerick today and tomorrow. The conference, organised in collaboration with the Institute of Public Administration will address the theme "Housing for All: Lessons from Practice" and will cover topics including sustainability, supply, vacancy, affordability and more.
Speaking today about the successful research support application, Bob Jordan, CEO, The Housing Agency said: “Homes throughout Ireland, including a significant number of people living in apartments, are experiencing energy poverty and struggling to keep their homes warm. Retrofitting homes is an important action in tackling energy poverty and creating warmer and healthier homes. This is particularly pertinent for renters and low-income dwellers.
“The number of apartments in Ireland has increased by 85 per cent from 2002 to 2016, and we know that a significant proportion of apartments require retrofitting. Retrofitting MUDs could present a unique opportunity to retrofit at scale - a well-designed retrofit programme will deliver the successful upgrade of dozens or hundreds of homes in one project.
“However, there are a number of challenges in retrofitting MUDs, such as financing the project, and complicated ownership structures which can inhibit motivation and owner engagement to retrofit.
“This project to be undertaken thanks to the European Commission support will identify pathways to deliver retrofitting at scale and increase the energy performance of Irish apartment MUDs, as well as contributing to reaching Ireland’s net-zero emissions targets.”
Challenges in carrying out necessary retrofitting in apartment MUDs include:
- Access to funding and credit finance;
- Complex and fragmented ownership structures, including private and public / social tenures; and
- Suboptimal governance of the buildings.
The project is expected to commence in Q3 of 2023, with a view to being completed by the end of 2024.
The support was awarded under the 2023 cycle of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support Technical Support Instrument (TSI).
Further information on The Housing Agency is available here: http://www.housingagency.ie.
ENDS
Contact: Sorcha MacMahon / Emily Brennan, Alice Public Relations, Tel: 087-7585337 / 086-1658629, Email: media@alicepr.com
Notes to Editors:
About The Housing Agency
The Housing Agency supports the development of sustainable communities across Ireland. It works to meet the nation’s housing needs by:
- Rolling out new housing projects and co-ordinating programmes that can transform how we live.
- Using data and research to provide evidence-based solutions.
- Advising the Government on housing policies.
- Collaborating with all those involved in the housing sector in Ireland to ensure we are working as effectively as possible.
A State-funded body governed by an independent Board, The Housing Agency works mainly with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, local authorities and non-profit housing providers.
Follow The Housing Agency on Twitter: @HousingAgencyIE.
