Kildare County Council Wins National Energy Award for Maynooth ‘DemoHouse’ Retrofit Project

Friday, 28 November 2025 16:17

By Tara Flanagan- Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

(From l-r) Mary Morrisey, William Walsh, CEO of SEAI and Paul Reagan, The DemoHouse – Kildare County Council won the Energy in Buildings Award.

The Retrofit project in Maynooth was recognised nationally for its role in helping homeowners understand energy upgrades.

Kildare County Council has been recognised at this year’s SEAI Energy Awards, taking home the Best Use of Energy in Buildings award for its retrofitted “DemoHouse” project in Maynooth.

More than 140 entries were submitted to the awards across business, community and public sector categories.

The event honours projects that show leadership in cutting fossil fuel use, reducing emissions and costs, and building a more resilient energy future.

The DemoHouse, a former 1990s social housing unit in Maynooth, has undergone a full retrofit and now serves as a hands-on learning space for homeowners interested in energy upgrades. Maynooth is designated as Kildare’s Decarbonising Zone, with residential properties identified as the area’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The council transformed the property by replacing its oil-fired central heating with an air-to-water heat pump, installing full internal-wall insulation and upgrading its double-glazed windows.

As home retrofitting can be difficult for many households to navigate, the DemoHouse now functions as an interactive showcase where visitors can see retrofit measures in action and receive practical advice. Homeowners can book an appointment to visit the DemoHouse.

At the same awards ceremony, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD presented the Inspirational Sustainable Community Award to Wexford Town Sustainable Energy Community. The group was recognised for its work supporting residents in disadvantaged areas to access energy-efficiency grants, helping cut energy costs, tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.