Clendennen calls for interim heating solutions during move away from peat
Fine Gael TD for Offaly John Clendennen has continued his call for interim heating solutions during the transition away from peat and fossil fuels.
Following his engagement with the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, during a recent appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, Clendennen raised the topic with An Tánaiste, Simon Harris during questions on policy and legislation, this afternoon.
Deputy Clendennen underscored the financial and logistical barriers preventing many rural families from transitioning directly to deep retrofits, and urged the Government to adopt practical, lower-emissions alternatives in the interim. Specifically, he called for serious consideration of fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) with a 20% blend, and sustainably sourced wood pellets, to serve as realistic bridge solutions for households unable to afford or implement full retrofitting in the short term.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Clendennen highlighted the disproportionate reliance on peat turf for home heating in parts of the Midlands, noting that according to the last census, in some Offaly towns, as many as 40% of households still depend on turf; ten times the national average of 4%.
An Tánaiste Simon Harris, in his response, acknowledged the importance of the issue, particularly for Offaly and similar communities, and confirmed that the Government is advancing work on a Renewable Heat Obligation. He noted that the Department is currently preparing Heads of Bill for Cabinet, and that a new national heat policy statement is at an advanced drafting stage.
“Our goal is to phase out fossil fuel heating systems in a way that is fair and practical,” he said. “The forthcoming heat policy statement, shaped by a national heat study and broad consultation, will lay the foundation for this transition.”
“If we truly believe in a just transition, then we must ensure that rural families have practical, affordable pathways to reduce emissions. Our climate targets must not only be ambitious, but achievable,” concluded Clendennen.