The government has come under fire for its retrofit plan during a debate on a Just Transition in the Dáil.
Sinn Féin representative Darren O'Rourke TD has criticised the retrofit plan for failing to be designed with a just transition in mind.
This comes after the government rejected Sinn Féin's amendments that would have defined a just transition and climate justice last year.
The Meath East TD, O'Rourke said: "Under this plan, if you have money, you get more free money to get a warmer home sooner. You're at the top of the list. For every euro in carbon tax you pay, you are getting a good return.
"If you qualify for a Free Energy Upgrade, 8,000 households are already on the waiting list ahead of you, and there is a huge delay of 27 months to get works done.
"And if you are a renter, or on a low income earning too much to qualify for the free scheme, but not enough to afford the works, like most people, then you are out of luck. You'll get no return on your carbon tax.
"The National Retrofit Scheme is devoid of equity, is benefiting those with means over those in need, and was not designed with a just transition in mind.
"There is a better, fairer way.
"The government could have started with the national social housing stock. They could have identified those living in fuel poverty or those reliant on solid fuels to heat their homes and started there. Or they could have put an income cap in place, to ensure more money could be targeted at those who need it most.
"They did none of this. There are options in this area, but the government are choosing not to take them.
"A just transition should be at the heart of all government policies, but this is not currently the case."
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
15/11/2024
An emergency road closure has been announced following serious structural integrity concerns of the former Antrim Arms Hotel building on Castle Street in Ballycastle. Following genuine fears surrounding the safety of the building's structure, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have ...
15/11/2024
A pre-design public consultation for the Dublin-based College Green - Dame Street Public Realm Project has been launched. The proposal to remodel College Green and Dame Street is a joint initiative by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority. The project aims to transform Dublin's ...
15/11/2024
A new plan which aims to fill vacant homes and revitalise derelict buildings has been proposed by Ireland's Green Party. The Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill put forward by the party aims to establish a single permitting system for fire, accessibility and planning in a one-stop-shop for ...
15/11/2024
Works will begin next week to provide a more reliable water supply in County Kildare, Uisce Éireann has announced. The improvements, which will take place in Allenwood, will also target the reduction of high levels of leakage. GMC Utilities Group are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce ...
15/11/2024
Essential wastewater improvements being made to the North Street area in Carrickfergus are set to be completed on Friday, November 22, NI Water has announced. Further works will recommence to the area on January 6, after the busy Christmas period. The work is part of a major investment to improve ...
15/11/2024
A forthcoming road closure in Wicklow has been announced by the County Council ahead of essential roadworks which are suspected to last a week. The closure will impact the L-69052 road in Arklow and will take place on the junction of the L2901, Laffin's Lane and The Brook, from Monday, November ...
14/11/2024
A L'Derry park was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs yesterday following the completion of extensive works. Manor Park in Moneymore welcomed Minister Andrew Muir MLA, who made the trip to see the result of extensive works which totalled £260,000. The ...
14/11/2024
A Railway Order planning application will be made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the major Luas Finglas project. The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on Monday, November 18, while the public can make submissions about the proposed light rail line from November ...
14/11/2024
A new €8.8 million social housing scheme officially launched in County Louth recently. The Ferrard Park development in Drogheda contains 28 new houses which were acquired by Louth County Council from CFS Homes for tenants from the council's social housing waiting list. The houses, which include a ...
14/11/2024
A number of projects across Wicklow aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change have received a significant cash boost. Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced an allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the ...