"Retrofitting Is A Wealth Transfer For Those Who Can Afford It"

Wednesday, 9 February 2022 11:28

By Caoimhe Harney

Social Justice Ireland has told KFM.

The new retrofitting grant scheme by Government will not address the challenges faced by low-income households living in homes with poor energy efficiency, according Michelle Murphy, Research and Policy Analyst, Social Justice Ireland.

Michelle Murphy commented:“Retrofitting is a means to meet our emission reduction targets, but it is not an immediate answer to dealing with increases in the costs of living.

"While the benefits of retrofitting and energy efficient homes are clear, the returns are long-term so today’s announcement will not address the immediate challenges faced by many people dealing with increases in the cost of living”.

“Furthermore, the scheme announced today fails to deal with issues around energy subsidies and energy poverty.

" Too often subsidies are only taken up by those who can afford to make the necessary investments.

“Government should look at examples of international best practice and apply these to Ireland," she added.

Michelle joined Clem Ryan on this morning's Kildare Today to talk about the issues: " Retrofitting is a wealth Transfer for those that can afford it.

"People with savings who can afford.

"There doesn't seem to be a focus on the low income families.

"People on low incomes are not going to persuaded to take up a low cost long term loans," she said.

"These families will be facing an increase in fuel costs every year until 2030.

"And there's a concern that landlords will use these retrofit schemes as a means to evict tenants," she insisted.

Research and Policy Analyst, Social Justice Ireland, Michelle Murphy spoke on Wednesday morning's Kildare Today: