More government denial about missed retrofitting targets – Pa Daly TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Climate, the Environment and Energy, Pa Daly TD, has slammed the government for failing to acknowledge lack of progressive on retrofitting targets.

He added that Minister Darragh O’Brien is in denial, and called on him to take heed of the stark warnings that 2030 targets were very likely to be missed without a change in approach.

Commenting on a report by Prime Time last night, Teachta Daly said:

“This report reaffirms Sinn Féin’s repeated criticisms of the government’s retrofitting scheme. Their regressive approach is fundamentally flawed. Not only are they failing to meet their targets, but the high upfront cost, combined with a lack of targeted supports, excludes the majority of low and middle income households.

“Under the remit of Fine Fáil and Fine Gael, the way the scheme is designed and implemented means that only those with considerable means can access the supports available.

“Most ordinary workers and families are locked out of the benefits of the energy transition.

“As Sinn Féin predicted, instead of the exponential growth they promised, demand for the scheme is not only flatlining, there is mounting evidence that it is dropping.

“Key industry experts agree that the scheme is not fit for purpose. They have gone from feeling cautious optimism when the scheme was initially launched to considerable trepidation today.

“120,000 homes are supposed to be retrofitted to a BER B2 by 2025, yet only 62,892 have been completed to date.

“When the 2030 target of 500,000 is considered, this gap looms even larger. The shortfall stands at a staggering 437,108.

“Despite this, Minister Darragh O’Brien appears to be in denial. He refuses to acknowledge just how stark the situation is.

“Even his own officials warned last month that a radical overhaul was required, and recommended the implementation of measures that mirror proposals Sinn Féin introduced in 2022.

“Sinn Féin’s plan is to spend more where it matters in order to deliver a tiered, area-targeted-based scheme aimed at low- and middle-income households. We propose to target those most in need, and furthermore propose additional resources for social authority retrofits.

“Directing scarce labour resources to the coldest homes is the best use of public money, is socially equitable and will show the best return on public investment in achieving climate targets.

“Significantly, we would also establish a dedicated scheme for solid fuel homes. Rather than targeting solid fuel homes with punitive action like carbon tax hikes and turf bans, we propose to support them as part of a just transition.

“Ireland is facing a possible €26.6bn in fines if we do not turn this ship around. I am calling on the government to make the necessary reforms and investment now to help many more people to retrofit their homes. Sticking with business as usual will bring little benefits and could lead to colossal burdens in the future.”