A pioneering regional retrofit initiative aimed at boosting the uptake of energy efficiency upgrades across public, private and commercial buildings in Monaghan town has been jointly launched by Monaghan County Council and SSE Airtricity.

The Monaghan Area Based Retrofit Initiative (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).

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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 Thursday, June 5, at 7pm in Monaghan Peace Campus for this element of the initiative.

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.

Launching the MABRI 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."

Stuart Hobbs, Director SSE Airtricity Energy Services Ireland, added: "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."

For further information or to register interest for the private homeowner upgrades, interested parties can contact the dedicated MABRI team on 047-64960.