Clare Local Development Company helps households prepare for winter with free attic insulation scheme
As families across Clare face another winter of high household costs and uncertainty around energy supplies, Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is supporting a practical local response: helping eligible homes become warmer, healthier and less expensive to heat.
Through the Free Attic Insulation Scheme in Ennis, CLDC is working with Ennis Environmental Action Group (EEAG) to arrange and fund attic-insulation upgrades for households that may not qualify for the fully funded national Warmer Homes Scheme.
For many people, improving insulation can feel out of reach. Finding a contractor, navigating grants, paying costs upfront and managing the work can all be barriers—particularly for households already under pressure from the cost of living.
This scheme is designed to remove those barriers.
CLDC administers the programme and manages the practical process on behalf of participating households. The scheme selects the contractor, applies for the relevant SEAI grant, pays the contractor directly and receives the grant payment. For eligible households, that means a straightforward route to a warmer home without the financial or administrative burden that can prevent people from acting.
“People should not have to choose between heating their home adequately and meeting other everyday costs,” said CLDC’s Hannah Griffey. “By helping households improve their attic insulation now, we can make a real difference to comfort, bills and wellbeing before the cold weather arrives.”
A simple measure with a real impact
Heat rises, which makes attic insulation one of the most effective and accessible ways to improve a home’s energy performance. A poorly insulated attic can allow significant heat to escape, meaning a household may need to use more oil, gas or electricity simply to keep rooms comfortable.
The Free Attic Insulation Scheme is focused on owner-occupiers and private landlords in the target area whose homes have less than 100mm, or four inches, of attic insulation.
The project aims to support 30 attic upgrades in 2026. Early progress is already encouraging: six attics have been completed or have work ordered, six SEAI grant applications are under way, and a further seven homes are being assessed for suitability. The project’s early findings indicate potential annual savings of around 6,000 units of energy per home, alongside estimated carbon-emissions reductions of 1.75 tonnes per home each year.
As energy markets remain exposed to international disruption—including concerns around oil supply in the Middle East—reducing heat loss at home is one practical way households can gain more control over their bills. Insulation will not remove wider energy-price pressures, but it can help a home retain more of the heat already being paid for.
CLDC: turning support into action
The initiative reflects CLDC’s wider commitment to supporting people and communities across County Clare with practical, accessible solutions.
CLDC has also played an active role in promoting and supporting applications to the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme, helping residents navigate a system that can be difficult to access. A winter 2025 promotion drive led to 140 additional applications, with contractors now visiting homes as part of that process.
By combining local outreach, direct support and practical administration, CLDC is helping ensure that energy-upgrade supports reach people who may otherwise miss out.
The Free Attic Insulation Scheme is funded through SEAI grants and the generosity of a private donor. EEAG promotes and manages the scheme, while CLDC administers it, bringing community action and professional local-development support together for the benefit of households in Ennis.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Own their home or be a private landlord.
- Have less than 100mm, or four inches, of attic insulation.
- Not be eligible for the fully funded SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme.
- Live within the scheme’s target area.
Places are limited, with funding currently available for 30 home upgrades. A preliminary attic inspection is required, and participating homes are selected based on early registration, existing insulation levels and practical considerations.
How to apply in 4 simple steps
1. Check if you qualify
You can apply if you:
- Own your home or are a private landlord
- Have less than 100mm (4 inches) of attic insulation
- Don’t qualify for the fully funded SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme
- Live in the scheme’s target area
Not sure about any of these? Get in touch anyway and we’ll help you check.
2. Register your interest
Contact Clare Local Development Company:
- Email: info@cldc.ie
- Phone: 065 686 6800
- Website: cldc.ie
- Or scan the QR code on the scheme leaflet
3. Have these details ready
- Your name, address and Eircode
- A phone number and email address
- Whether you own the home or rent it out as a landlord
- A rough idea of how much insulation is in your attic, if you know
4. We take it from there
Once you register, we’ll arrange a short attic inspection. If your home is suitable, we choose the contractor, apply for the SEAI grant and pay the contractor. You don’t need to deal with the paperwork or pay upfront.
Register your interest
Households and private landlords who believe they may qualify are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Contact Clare Local Development Company:
- Email: info@cldc.ie
- Phone: 065 686 6800
- Website: cldc.ie
The QR code on the scheme leaflet can also be scanned to register interest or access further information.
A warmer home, lower heating demand and greater peace of mind this winter can begin with one simple improvement. CLDC is helping Clare households take that step.
Scheme information is subject to eligibility, assessment and available funding.