Cork City Council to receive €2 million for retrofitting

Cork City Council has been awarded €2 million in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for its retrofitting programme. The funding is drawn from the EIB’s European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) initiative.

It will help provide technical assistance for the design and preparation of major retrofit projects across the council’s public building portfolio and social housing stock.

The council aims to increase retrofits across its housing stock from the current rate of approximately 150 houses per year to 300 per year.

The funding will also help to develop a multi-year project pipeline aimed at “upgrading target Cork City Council-owned public buildings to higher energy-performance standards while reducing carbon emissions in line with national and EU targets”, according to a spokesperson for the council.

It is also expected that the grant will unlock “substantial follow-on investment in deep retrofit works over the coming years, delivering improved energy performance, reduced emissions, and enhanced comfort for residents and building users”.

“The award also strengthens Cork’s role in the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, where Cork City Council is working to accelerate the city’s journey to climate neutrality,” they said.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy said that he “warmly welcomes” the support.

“The ELENA grant represents a major boost to Cork City Council’s capacity to deliver warmer homes, lower energy costs, and more sustainable public services.

“This investment will advance our retrofit plans and help us meet our ambitious climate goals.

“I want to acknowledge the dedication of the city council teams and partners whose work has made this possible,” he said. EIB Senior Investment Manager Assen Gasharov said that the EIB was also “pleased” to support Cork City Council.

“Through the EU-funded ELENA grant facility, we help cities build the technical foundations needed for large-scale, climate‑focused investment. Cork’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability make it an excellent partner for this initiative.

“We look forward to seeing this work unlock long‑term environmental, economic, and social benefits for the people of Cork,” he said.