- Monaghan Area Based Retrofit Initiative (MABRI) aims to deliver energy upgrades to over 100 homes in Monaghan town
- 53 council owned homes nominated to receive fully funded energy upgrades
- 60 privately owned homes sought to receive energy efficiency upgrades
- Residents Information and Recruitment Evening on June 5 in Monaghan Peace Campus
- Pilot aims to make retrofits more accessible and affordable, and support regional decarbonisation
- Pioneering regional retrofit project developed by Monaghan County Council and SSE Airtricity, with support from SEAI and Activ8 Solar Energies
FRIDAY 16 MAY: Leas Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr. Peter Conlon in partnership with SSE Airtricity Energy Services has today launched a new area-based retrofit initiative in Monaghan town called the Monaghan Area Based Retrofit Initiative (MABRI).
The MABRI pilot aims to boost the uptake of energy efficiency upgrades across public, private, and commercial buildings, supporting Monaghan’s climate action goals as part of its designated Decarbonisation Zone. MABRI provides access to expert advice on the most cost-effective energy upgrades for homes, offering better value as part of the regional retrofit project rather than individual upgrades projects. The pilot is delivered with the support of key partners, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Activ8 Solar Energies.
MABRI works will commence with energy upgrades to 53 council-owned homes in Killygoan, bringing them from BER ratings as low as D3 up to a minimum B2 funded by Monaghan County Council, under the Department of Housing’s Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP).
Expressions of interest are also invited from private homeowners to avail of energy upgrades to their homes, made possible by SEAI Community Grant. A Residents Information and Recruitment Evening will be held on 5 June at 7:00pm in Monaghan Peace Campus for this element of the initiative.
Launching the Monaghan Area Based Retrofit Initiative pilot, Monaghan County Council Chief Executive Robert Burns said: MABRI is an exciting initiative that will retrofit homes to make them more energy efficient for both Council tenants and private homeowners, whilst combatting climate change through lowering carbon emissions. This initiative shows the potential of what can be done through innovation, collaboration and a community-centred approach and I believe that this approach can be replicated elsewhere in Monaghan and across the country to help ensure ambitious climate action targets are met.
Stuart Hobbs, Director SSE Airtricity Energy Services Ireland said: “SSE Airtricity is delighted to partner with Monaghan County Council in delivering this innovative MABRI pilot. We know access and affordability can be barriers for people in upgrading their homes, and through this initiative we’re aiming to demonstrate just how effective and affordable regional retrofit projects can be. This pilot will deliver healthier, warmer homes while reducing home energy costs and delivering on Monaghan’s decarbonisation targets.”
Also speaking at the launch SEAI Director of National Retrofit Dr. Ciaran Byrne said “SEAI welcomes the launch of the Monaghan Area Based Retrofit Initiative, which should prove to be a great support to homeowners, businesses and community facilities in the area, helping to get them started on their energy upgrade journey. Community initiatives such as this are an essential component to drive momentum in Ireland’s sustainable energy transition.”
Local businesses are also encouraged to participate in the MABRI pilot and SSE Airtricity Energy Services will be hosting information events with local business community groups. Commercial premises upgrades include heat pumps, rooftop Solar PV, and lighting upgrades. SEAI financial supports are available for business upgrades including the newly launched Business Energy Support grants, which can cover up to 30% of installed costs.
For further information or to register interest for the private homeowner upgrades, interested parties can contact the dedicated MABRI team on 047-64960. The Residents Information and Recruitment Evening will take place on 5 June at 7:00pm in Monaghan Peace Campus.