Behind The Walls

In this episode of Behind the Walls, Roy, Ferg (aka The Retrofit Guy), and special guest Stephen from the SEAI break down the latest Irish home energy grant changes and what they actually mean for homeowners.
With recent grant increases and new measures announced, the lads cut through the noise and misinformation to explain:
What grants have increased
Who is eligible (and who isn’t)
The truth about windows & doors grants
How to upgrade your home step by step, without wasting money
Why insulation still comes before shiny upgrades
How to create a long-term retrofit pathway that leads to heat pumps and lower bills
This is a must-listen for homeowners, first-time buyers, and anyone thinking about energy upgrades in 2025 and beyond.
Timecodes
00:00 – Welcome & introduction
00:45 – Grant increases announced: what’s changed and why it matters
02:10 – Heat pump grants explained (€12.5k breakdown)
03:45 – One Stop Shop vs individual grants
04:28 – New high-temperature heat pump pilot (boiler-style heat pumps)
06:45 – Who high-temp heat pumps are best suited for
07:38 – Attic & cavity wall insulation grant increases
09:10 – How to apply for individual grants (step-by-step)
10:12 – Why insulation is still the best first upgrade
12:00 – Comfort vs cost: why insulation changes everything
14:50 – Registered contractors vs “cheap jobs” explained
18:25 – Windows & doors grants: what everyone is asking
19:03 – Windows & doors now available as standalone grants
20:16 – Eligibility rules: attic & walls must be “good” or “very good”
21:13 – BER advisory reports explained simply
22:00 – Why windows aren’t a free-for-all
24:17 – Why a home energy assessment is essential
26:04 – Creating a realistic retrofit pathway over time
27:27 – First-time buyer enhanced insulation grants
28:23 – Why One Stop Shops still matter
29:16 – Airtightness, ventilation & hidden upgrades
30:06 – Project management realities homeowners underestimate
32:24 – Breaking down the windows & doors pathway clearly
34:08 – External wall insulation vs internal dry lining
36:35 – Easy wins: attic + cavity wall first
38:12 – Heat pumps myths vs reality
39:36 – Why solar PV should be the “cherry on top”
41:34 – Can you get a second wall insulation grant?
43:03 – Extra supports for energy-poor households
44:00 – Final thoughts: spending money in the right order

In this Behind the Walls season finale, Pete and Fergal are joined by special guest Mike Finnerty to wrap up an incredible year of homeowner education, retrofit insights, and myth-busting. Together, they break down what homeowners still need to know, why government clarity matters more than ever, and how Season 2 will raise the bar even higher.
The trio dive into the big questions facing the retrofit journey:
 • Will grants change next year?
 • Are government ministers truly committed?
 • What information do homeowners need now to make confident decisions?

00:00 – 00:31:04
 Opening & Why the Podcast Exists
Pete and Fergal reflect on their mission to break down retrofit knowledge for everyday homeowners — joined today by guest Mike Finnerty.
31:04 – 32:24
 Keeping It Simple: Breaking Down Technical Jargon
How the team translates expert insights into clearer, “caveman-style” explanations.
32:24 – 33:48
 Why a Government Minister Needs to Join Season Two
Mike asks the big questions: Why is ministerial clarity essential, and what should they be pressed on?
33:48 – 36:18
 The One Question Homeowners Need Answered
Are the government genuinely committed to the retrofit journey — and will they fund it long-term?
36:18 – 37:43
 Climate Reality & Ireland’s Environmental Challenges
The team looks beyond grants to water quality, climate shifts, and long-term sustainability.
37:43 – 38:22
 Season Break Banter
Will the lads miss each other? A Starsky & Hutch moment (and Christmas jokes).
38:22 – 39:16
 Upcoming One-Stop-Shop Live Event
Mike and Fergal announce the next event: Silver Springs Clayton Hotel, Cork — December 4th.
39:16 – 40:03
 Homeowners Are Asking Smarter Questions
Why the public is more informed than ever — and why the “sticky” questions are the best ones.
40:03 – 41:11
 Feedback & Season Two Improvements
Pete, Fergal, and Mike chat about balance, structure, and what they’ll tweak in the next season.
41:11 – 42:03
 Architects, Criticism at Home & Dream Guests
A funny exchange about architects, Mike’s wife, and why Dermot Bannon is a must-have guest.
42:03 – 43:16
 The Origin Story
How the idea for the podcast was born in a Galway bar — and why none of them expected it to take off like this.
43:16 – 43:50
 Final Thoughts & Looking to 2025
Thanking listeners, encouraging questions, and promising an even stronger season ahead.
43:50 – End
 Closing Moments
Laughs, bloopers, and the official sign-off.

In this episode, we sit down with Eoin McGann from EMG Energy Consultants to break down everything you need to know about home energy assessments. Whether you're considering a retrofit, thinking about installing a heat pump, or just want to understand where your home stands energy-wise, this is the episode for you.
Eoin walks us through the entire process from start to finish, explaining what assessors actually look at when they visit your home, how the roadmap system works, and why getting your assessment done is the essential first step on your retrofit journey. We also discuss the Heat Loss Indicator (HLI), why it matters for heat pump eligibility, and how the industry has evolved over the years.
Pete shares his own experience having Eoin assess his 20-year-old home, and we explore why every homeowner in Ireland should seriously consider getting their home energy assessment done while the grants are still available.

Welcome to Episode 8 of Behind The Walls with Pete and Ferg!
In this episode, we're joined by the one and only Eric Donovan - former European boxing champion, psychotherapist, counselor, father, husband, and homeowner currently completing his retrofit journey.
Eric shares his incredible experience transforming an old, energy-inefficient house (F/G BER rating) into a modern, comfortable forever home for his family. From navigating the vacant homes grant to achieving a A+ BER rating, Eric gives an honest account of the entire process.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome Eric Donovan
01:12 - Eric's journey to homeownership at 40
02:08 - The decision to retrofit vs. buy and move in immediately
03:52 - Meeting on Hell Week & the bromance begins
05:42 - The Vacant Homes Grant game changer
07:42 - Combining grants for maximum benefit
09:06 - Getting contractors and starting the work
10:14 - External vs. internal wall insulation decision
11:24 - The one-stop shop approach with Via Vibed
13:14 - Air-to-water heat pumps explained
16:14 - Adding solar panels to the system
17:10 - The investment and long-term benefits
19:13 - How stressful was the process?
20:09 - Eric's message about retrofitting
22:01 - League of Ireland passion (Drogheda United!)
24:00 - Life after boxing & mental health work
26:01 - The importance of asking for help
28:36 - Looking forward to Christmas in the new home
31:09 - Final advice for anyone considering retrofit
34:44 - Shout outs & where to find Eric
36:40 - The Hell Week story & wrap up
What we cover:
✅ Combining the Vacant Homes Grant with SEAI grants for maximum benefit
✅ Why external wall insulation was the right choice for Eric's home
✅ The game-changing benefits of air-to-water heat pumps
✅ Solar panels and creating a fully energy-efficient home
✅ Working with Via Vibed and project management throughout the retrofit
✅ The reality of moving from cramped living to a spacious family home
✅ Eric's advice for anyone considering a retrofit
Key Takeaways:
External wall insulation provides better coverage and gives your home a complete facelift
Air-to-water heat pumps deliver consistent temperature and 24/7 hot water
It's never too early to ask questions about retrofitting your home
The right time to retrofit is when it suits your lifestyle - don't wait for the "perfect moment"
Eric also discusses his work as a psychotherapist at First Ones Therapy and Wellness in Naas, his new role as head coach at Athy Boxing Club, and his passion for League of Ireland football (come on the Drogs!).
Thanks to Eric for being so open about his retrofit experience - moving into your forever home just before your 11th anniversary with Laura!

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell for more Behind The Walls content!
#Retrofit #HomeRenovation #EnergyEfficiency #BERRating #HeatPump #VacantHomesGrant #SEAIGrants #EricDonovan #BehindTheWalls #IrishConstruction #SustainableLiving #ExternalWallInsulation #SolarPanels

In this episode of Behind the Walls, Pete and Ferg sit down with Roisin Mulligan and Orla Ní Cholmáin to discuss the Home Energy Upgrade Loan scheme. They break down how homeowners and landlords can access low-cost financing for retrofits, tackle energy efficiency upgrades, and improve comfort in their homes.
From eligibility to application steps, loan details, and real-life case studies, this episode covers everything you need to know about making your home warmer, more energy-efficient, and more affordable to maintain.