Laois homeowners and businesses got the chance to explore ways to cut energy costs at a Warmer Home Expo held in Portlaoise.
The Warmer Home Expo, a collaboration between Portlaoise 2040 Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), Age Friendly Laois and Laois County Council’s Climate Action Section, was held on Monday, October 19 at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.
The event was a great success, with members of the public attending throughout the day to learn how to make their homes warmer, more energy efficient and more sustainable.
The Expo brought together experts and organisations working in home energy upgrades, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy grants and efficiency measures. Homeowners had the opportunity to speak directly with professionals, ask questions and receive practical information about the options and supports available.
Bank of Ireland, PTSB, AIB and People First Credit Union were also represented, giving attendees an opportunity to discuss green loans and other financing options for home energy improvements.
The SEAI Enhanced Solar Grant also generated plenty of interest, particularly from people looking to find out more about eligibility and the support available for solar panels and battery storage.
The event also marked the launch of the Portlaoise Solar Meitheal, bringing together local homeowners interested in exploring solar energy for their homes.
Laurence O’Reilly, SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Regional Coordinator and Mentor for Laois and Offaly, and Energy Consultant, spoke with attendees about solar energy and the Solar Meitheal. He spoke after the Expo, saying:
“The Warmer Home Expo gave local homeowners a valuable opportunity to learn about practical energy upgrades and the supports available to them. The launch of the Portlaoise Solar Meitheal will help residents explore solar energy together, share knowledge and take practical steps towards more sustainable homes.”
For many visitors, the Expo offered a valuable opportunity to explore which energy upgrades might suit their homes and to receive clear information directly from experts.
Laois County Council would like to thank the partner organisations, exhibitors, speakers and everyone who attended and helped make the Warmer Home Expo a success.
The event formed part of the Laois Climate Action Festival 2026, which featured a wide range of climate action and sustainability focused events across the county.
1. Brian Gleeson (Alternative Energy Ireland) with Ann and Stephen Allen at the Warmer Home Expo, hosted by Portlaoise 2040 SEC, at Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Photo: Julie Harvey
2. Mary Owens (Bank of Ireland) with Petronilla Ryan, Paddy Ryan and Belinda Gyves at the Warmer Home Expo, hosted by Portlaoise 2040 SEC, at Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Photo: Julie Harvey
3. Philomena and Patrick Delahunt at the Warmer Home Expo, hosted by Portlaoise 2040 SEC, at Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026.
Photo: Julie Harvey
4. Kevin Manning (Laois Climate Action) with Suzanne Dempsey (Climate Action Coordinator), Danielle Keane (Age Friendly Programme Manager) and Anne Lennon (Climate Action Officer) at the Warmer Home Expo, hosted by Portlaoise 2040 SEC, at Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise during Laois Climate Action Festival 2026. Photo: Julie Harvey
Photo: Julie Harvey