CLARE Councillors have strongly criticised the Government’s directive to halt grants for replacing gas and oil boilers in private homes, labelling the move as unfair and potentially harmful to elderly residents in rural areas. The Department of Housing recently directed councils to cease grants for the replacement of fossil fuel boilers, effective from the start of this year. Under the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, boilers can still be repaired but cannot be replaced with new fossil fuel systems.
The policy, introduced under EU regulations, has been described as an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out fossil fuel systems. However, the decision has been met with sharp criticism locally, with calls to consider the unique challenges faced by Ireland’s ageing population, particularly in poorly insulated rural homes. Sixmilebridge Councillor John Crowe (FG) said, “I think that this decision should be challenged and it should be sent to every council in the country because this is a national issue.
“To exclude fossil fuel is a major setback for the entire country,” added Cllr Pat Burke (FG). Councillors Crowe, Pat Daly (FF) and Joe Killeen (FF) have proposed a motion to Clare County Council calling on the government to reinstate the grant system for replacing boilers in homes occupied by older residents. The motion includes a recommendation to lobby for flexibility within EU guidelines to better suit Ireland’s rural and ageing population.
The councillors’ main concern is the safety of the members of the elderly community particularly during the winter months.
“This week past has opened our eyes an awful lot to looking at alternative fuel as the main source of heat,” said Cllr Crowe.
Ennis-based Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) expressed her support of this motion.
“I think it is very cruel and very insensitive and with respect to everything it’s not just the cost of retrofitting and making everything airtight, but a lot of the plumbers out there are so busy and it’s difficult for them to avail of the grants. It’s a much bigger issue,” she told Monday’s monthly council meeting. Councillor Shane Talty also shared his support of the motion expressing his belief that the grant scheme is moving in the right direction in regards to pushing Clare towards its climate targets and reducing the county’s greenhouse emissions but he expressed his reservations with the current parameters of the grant scheme.
“The idea of elderly people with broken down boilers, a simple repair, you’re going to turn this into a full retrofitting job, it’s just way too much far too quickly. Those changes will come with the next generation.”
As winter continues, the issue is expected to remain a contentious topic in local councils and national discussions alike.
