{
  "id": 18956401,
  "title": "Ireland nowhere close to retrofitting targets - expert",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/ireland-nowhere-close-to-retrofitting-targets-expert",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T14:43:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/1108/1598434-retrofitting-ireland/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ireland is far from meeting its retrofitting targets, according to an expert. The government aims to retrofit half a million homes to a minimum B2 Building Energy Rating by 2030, but fewer than 90,000 have been completed. Only 18,580 heat pumps were installed between 2019 and 2025, well below the Climate Action Plan target of 45,000 for the same period. By 2030, 400,000 retrofits are targeted. Chair of the Irish Green Building Council Ali Grehan stated that there is a preference for new construction over renovating existing buildings in Ireland, which must change. She believes a more tailored approach to renovation, considering varying levels of need, is necessary. Grehan emphasized that reusing existing structures is the most sustainable option and highlighted the importance of not overlooking dilapidated buildings as a waste. Residents in Dublin's Ellis Court, retrofitted in 2013, have noticed improvements in warmth and energy efficiency.",
  "summary": "Ireland is nowhere close to reaching its retrofitting targets and the pace of energy renovation is still too slow, an expert has said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ireland far from meeting retrofitting targets set for 2030.",
    "Only 18,580 heat pumps installed from 2019-2025, below target.",
    "Expert suggests tailored renovation approach needed."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}