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.

In this episode of Behind the Walls Podcast, Pete and Fergal sit down with Stuart Hobbs, Director of SSE Airtricity Energy Services and Solutions, to talk about Ireland’s energy future. From solar and wind power to home retrofits, grants, and the truth about heat pumps, this episode digs into how Irish homeowners can take control of their energy use and become part of the transition to a net-zero future.

Stuart shares insights into the evolving energy industry, how consumer awareness is changing, and why the phrase “location, location, energy” might soon replace the old saying about property value. The lads also bust a few myths about home upgrades, grants, and what it really takes to make your home greener and more efficient.

Whether you’re considering solar panels, retrofitting, or just curious about how energy systems are evolving in Ireland, this episode is packed with useful information and light-hearted chat.

🎙️ Hosted by Pete & Fergal
📺 Subscribe for more real conversations about energy, retrofitting, and sustainable building in Ireland.
💬 Like, comment, and share your thoughts below!

#BehindTheWallsPodcast #EnergyIreland #SolarPV #HeatPumps #SSEAirtricity #Retrofit #HomeEnergyUpgrade #Sustainability #IrishHomes #RenewableEnergy

In this episode of Behind the Walls Podcast, Pete and Ferg dive deep into the world of ventilation, air quality, and home health with expert Simon, a leading ventilation consultant. From understanding why ventilation is essential in modern airtight homes to exploring the link between air quality and long-term health, this episode is packed with insight for homeowners, builders, and retrofitters alike.

Simon explains how better ventilation can reduce condensation, mould, and poor air quality, and even help prevent chronic illnesses. The lads also discuss practical options for residential ventilation, from trickle vents to full mechanical systems, and why every home needs a tailored solution.

If you’re upgrading your home or just curious about creating a healthier living environment, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Pete & Fergal
📺 Subscribe for more expert chats about homebuilding, retrofitting, and sustainability.
💬 Got a question or topic suggestion? Leave it in the comments!

#BehindTheWallsPodcast #Ventilation #HomeEnergy #AirQuality #Retrofit #HealthyHomes #ConstructionIreland #BuildingBetter #Sustainability

In this episode of Behind the Walls, Pete and Ferg sit down with Henry Sheehan, Chairman of the National Insulation Association of Ireland (NIAI). With almost 50 years in the industry, Henry shares his incredible journey, the evolution of insulation in Ireland, the importance of “fabric first”, and how government schemes and retrofits are shaping the future of energy-efficient homes.

If you’re a homeowner, builder, or just curious about how insulation impacts comfort, savings, and sustainability - this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Behind the Walls!

Music Licence: OSH3CWE15MXRFQC5

Welcome back to another episode of the Behind the Walls podcast! This week, Pete and Ferg are joined by Ciarán Mulqueen, also known as Crazy House Prices, to dive deep into retrofitting and the construction industry.

Follow Ciarán Mulqueen:
Instagram: @crazyhouseprices

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the construction world!

Music Licence: OSH3CWE15MXRFQC5

#BehindTheWallsPodcast #Retrofit #ConstructionIreland #HomeEnergyUpgrade #HousePrices #SustainableLiving #HomeRenovation #HeatPump #SolarPanels #DublinHomes