New Domestic Heat Pump Installation Scheme Launches

A new Domestic Heat Pump Installation Incentivisation Scheme for plumbers has been launched and will be operation until 1 December.

The programme is designed to support qualified plumbers in enrolling in heat pump installation training courses. At present, there are about 500 registered heat pump installers, but an additional 500 will be required by 2025. Industry feedback indicates that the challenge of taking time off work and potential loss of earnings is a significant barrier to participating in upskilling training courses.

This scheme will help accelerate the adoption of heat pumps by boosting the supply chain's installation capacity. It is aligned with the Government's target of installing 400,000 heat pumps by 2030 under the National Retrofit Plan.

Speaking today, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan, said: "I am delighted to officially announce the introduction of a new Domestic Heat Pump Installation Incentivisation Scheme for plumbers.

"This scheme will give an incentive of up to €500 where plumbers take time off work to upskill as SEAI-registered heat pump installers. By helping to offset these costs, the scheme will allow small and medium contractors to upskill their staff, gain extra capacity in an area that is in increasing demand, and help plumbers to future-proof their careers.


"Up to 300 qualified plumbers will now be able to take time off from work to complete the domestic heat pump installation training course. Our commitment to a sustainable future requires skilled professionals. This course will help play a vital role in achieving our climate targets."

Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive at Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, said: "We are delighted to introduce this incentivisation scheme, which is pivotal in addressing the current constraints in heat pump installation capacity. By targeting recently qualified craft plumbers, we aim to rapidly enhance the sectoral expertise in domestic heat pump technologies.

"This initiative not only supports our climate action goals but also provides valuable upskilling opportunities for construction industry professionals. Together with SEAI, DFHERIS, SOLAS, and approved training providers, we are committed to making significant strides towards a sustainable, energy-efficient future for Ireland."

Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit at SEAI, stated: "SEAI is constantly engaging with contractors and manufacturers to understand the challenges they are facing and to identify any impediments to them growing their operations.

"We can then collaborate with them and other government departments to find ways to remove these barriers and support the supply chain as it scales.

"This incentivisation scheme is a great example of how SEAI and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science have been working together. We have heard from contractors and plumbers that lost earnings while training is a real barrier and we have delivered a very practical solution."