A new Energy Efficiency Retro-Fit Programme for South Dublin County Council’s housing stock was approved at the April county council meeting. The Programme has been welcomed by councillors but there have been calls for the Government to substantially increase funding for the scheme. A total of €3 167 054 has been provided under the scheme for 117 homes across the county that will have works done to bring them up to BER rating B2. This will be done through the provision of insulation, windows and doors replacement and the installation of heat pumps. Estates selected for the programme in the Clondalkin area include Kilmahuddrick Crescent, Oldcastle Drive, Greenfort and Liscarne Dale. The 117 homes represent only 1% of council homes.
People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson commented: “The retro-fit programme for council homes is very welcome, however it doesn’t go far enough. If we are serious about tackling climate change and improving the living conditions of tenants there is a need for the government to substantially increase funding for this programme.
While the government is unable to make private property owners carry out works to make their buildings more energy efficient, they can ensure that publicly owned buildings, including council homes, are improved. However, the low level of funding provided for local authorities makes it impossible to for councils to carry out the work needed.
The funding is also limited to €27 000 per home, however a complete deep retro-fit would cost between €38 000– €45 000 on average.
To tackle climate change we need substantial funding for retro-fitting of homes, both council and privately owned. The current grant schemes for homeowners are not adequate and this new programme for council homes is welcome but not enough.”
