Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader of the Independent Group of Ministers, Seán Canney TD, has welcomed the inclusion of Naomh Breandán Credit Union, based in Loughrea and Woodford, in the Government’s Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, which will bring low-cost, Government-backed loans to homeowners across East Galway.

The scheme, developed by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and supported by the European Investment Bank Group, provides unsecured loans from €5,000 to €75,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, with interest rates starting from just 2.99% at Naomh Breandán Credit Union.

“This is great news for homeowners in Galway,” said Minister Canney. “With rising energy costs and growing concerns about climate change, this scheme makes it easier and more affordable for families to retrofit their homes, improve comfort, and reduce bills.”

The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is the first of its kind in Ireland and Europe and is designed to work in tandem with SEAI grant supports, enabling homeowners to install insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and other renewable energy systems.

“I particularly welcome the involvement of credit unions like Naomh Breandán who are embedded in their communities and understand the needs of their members,” Minister Canney continued. “Their participation opens the door for thousands of families in rural and regional areas, where traditional banks may not be as present.”

With branches in Loughrea and Woodford, Naomh Breandán Credit Union serves a membership of over 14,500 people, and will now be offering loans under this scheme to support the Government’s goal of retrofitting 500,000 homes by 2030. Homeowners interested in the scheme are encouraged to contact Naomh Breandán Credit Union or visit the SBCI or SEAI websites for further details.

“This initiative is a win-win: it helps families save on energy bills while also helping us meet our climate targets,” concluded Minister Canney.