Getting Ready for Winter 2026 in County Laois: Your Practical Guide

The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, the evenings are drawing in, and storm season is on its way. A few jobs done now can save you money, stress and a cold house in January. Here's a practical guide for homes and businesses in County Laois.

In Laois, rural homes near the Slieve Blooms can see harder frosts than the towns, so lag pipes and protect outside taps early. If you commute on the M7 or M8, keep a winter kit in the car for icy mornings.

Key winter dates

| Date | What's happening |

| --- | --- |

| Sunday 25 October | Clocks go back one hour at 2am |

| Friday 25 December | Christmas Day |

| Saturday 26 December | St Stephen's Day |

| Friday 1 January 2027 | New Year's Day |

| Monday 1 February 2027 | St Brigid's Day bank holiday |

Many local businesses change their hours over Christmas and the New Year, so check before you travel.

1. Get your heating checked before the cold arrives

Boiler engineers and chimney sweeps get booked up quickly once the first cold snap hits. Book now while you still have a choice of dates.

• Service your boiler once a year. Gas boilers should be serviced by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). Oil boilers should be serviced by a qualified oil technician.
• Bleed your radiators if they're cold at the top. It's a five-minute job that helps your heating work properly.
• Get your chimney swept before you light the first fire of the season.
• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fuel-burning appliance, and test your smoke alarms.
• Buy legal fuels only. Smoky coal can no longer be sold anywhere in Ireland. Firewood sold in small quantities must have a moisture content of 20% or less. Dry wood burns hotter, cleaner and cheaper.

2. Grants and supports that can cut your bills

• SEAI home energy grants were increased in 2026. Attic insulation grants now go up to €2,000 for a detached house, and welfare recipients and first-time buyers can get a flat €2,500. Heat pump grants go up to €12,500 for a house. Grants usually need an SEAI-registered contractor, and you must get approval before work starts.
• Fuel Allowance is currently €38 a week for eligible households. Budget 2027 announced a further €5 a week and a double payment at Christmas, so check gov.ie for when the changes start.
• Carbon tax on home heating fuels will not rise this winter, following Budget 2027.

If you're thinking about insulation, a heat pump or new windows, now is the time to get quotes. Contractors' winter diaries fill up fast.

3. Storm-proof your home

Ireland's storm season usually runs from autumn into early spring. Before the first named storm arrives:

• Clear gutters and drains of leaves.
• Check for loose roof slates, ridge tiles and flashing.
• Have overhanging or damaged trees looked at by an insured tree surgeon.
• Tie down or put away garden furniture, trampolines and bins.
• Keep a torch, power bank and battery radio in an easy-to-find place.

Follow Met Éireann warnings: yellow means be aware, orange means be prepared, and red means take action and stay safe.

Emergency numbers to save in your phone:

• Power cuts and fallen lines: ESB Networks 1800 372 999
• Gas leaks: Gas Networks Ireland 1800 20 50 50
• Water supply problems: Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
• Life-threatening emergencies: 112 or 999

Never go near fallen power lines. Always assume they're live.

4. Stop pipes freezing

A burst pipe is one of the most expensive winter repairs.

• Lag pipes and water tanks in the attic, garage and any outside walls.
• Find your stopcock now so you can turn off the water quickly.
• Disconnect garden hoses and cover outside taps.
• If you're going away, leave the heating on low.

5. Get your car winter-ready

• The Road Safety Authority recommends at least 3mm of tyre tread in winter. The legal minimum is 1.6mm.
• Check your lights, wipers, battery and antifreeze, and keep your screen wash topped up.
• Carry a winter kit: a blanket, torch, de-icer, phone charger, water and a high-visibility vest.
• Slow down and leave extra stopping distance on wet or icy roads.

6. Look out for your neighbours

Cold snaps and storms are hardest on older people and anyone living alone. A knock on the door, a phone call or an offer to collect shopping makes a real difference.

7. Shop local this Christmas

Every euro spent with a local business stays in the community. That means more jobs, busier main streets, and the shops and cafés you love staying open. Think about vouchers, local food, crafts and experiences when you're buying gifts this year.

For business owners: get ready for the winter rush

• Update your opening hours on Leinster Local now, including Christmas, New Year and bank holiday hours.
• Post your Christmas offers, gift vouchers and booking deadlines early.
• Have a storm plan. Tell customers quickly if a weather warning means you'll be closed.
• Make it easy to reach you. Check your phone number, website link and enquiry details are correct.

Your winter checklist

• Book a boiler service
• Book a chimney sweep
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Clear gutters and drains
• Lag pipes and find your stopcock
• Check tyres, lights and antifreeze
• Look into SEAI grants
• Save emergency numbers in your phone

Find trusted local help in County Laois

From boiler engineers and chimney sweeps to roofers, tree surgeons and insulation contractors, find trusted local businesses in County Laois on Leinster Local. Search Laois businesses now and send an enquiry straight to the business, with no account needed.

Run a business in Laois? List your business free and make sure local customers can find you this winter.

Information correct as of 17 October 2026. Check SEAI, gov.ie and Met Éireann for the latest updates.