Minister for Energy and Climate Darragh O’Brien has stated that the Government is continually seeking ways to further improve home energy efficiency and lower costs for households.
He made the remarks in response to confirmation that Tánaiste Simon Harris has directed officials in his department to explore measures aimed at reducing households’ reliance on fossil fuels, reports RTE.
Mr O’Brien said he is confident that moving toward electrification across the country benefits both the climate and household finances.
The minister added that he is currently examining the introduction of new grants to support businesses in improving their energy efficiency, reports RTE.
The Tánaiste has also instructed officials within the Department of Finance to design additional measures to assist households dealing with increasing energy expenses.
On Saturday, Mr Harris suggested that the Government is considering one-off supports to help individuals reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including schemes that would enable gradual upgrades of heating systems and encourage a shift toward more efficient vehicles, reports RTE.
He has since confirmed that his department will aim to roll out supports “with a particular focus on the structural costs that Irish people face regarding energy and electricity costs”, as the Coalition continues to address ways of easing the financial burden on households.
These remarks come as Sinn Féin intensifies calls for an emergency budget featuring additional one-off supports, as well as reductions to the Universal Social Charge and the removal of carbon tax on home heating oil and green diesel, reports RTE.
The Labour Party has similarly urged immediate relief measures for PAYE workers.
Mr Harris recently dismissed the prospect of a short-term mini budget, though he acknowledged that further cost-of-living supports cannot be ruled out in the future, reports RTE.
“We must take further action to support people facing energy costs in Ireland,” he said, just over two weeks after the announcement of a €750m fuel crisis package.
“I am now asking officials in my department to work on options as to what Government can do further and to work with colleagues across Government – not just to help in the here and now, but to permanently and sustainably make progress, reports RTE.
“So, I am asking officials to examine whether there are additional practical supports we can introduce to help people upgrade their home heating systems, including hybrid heat pumps or lower-emission fuels like HVO (Hydrotreated vegetable oil)”, he added, reports RTE.
Officials are set to assess options including targeted grants, easier access to financing, and investment in retrofitting, renewable energy, and the national electricity grid.
Mr Harris said that improving energy affordability will remain a central priority within broader efforts to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, reports RTE.
The issue of rising living costs is expected to return to the political spotlight later this week, amid ongoing uncertainty linked to the conflict in Iran.
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