Logistically Impossible to move entire regions from turf overnight says Offaly TD

''It’s simply logistically impossible to move an entire region from turf to full deep retrofits overnight,'' that's the belief of Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen.

There is a long tradition of burning turf in Offaly. Currently there is a ban on the sale of turf which came into effect in late 2022.

However, it is a finite resource and has serious environmental impacts. In addition the burning of turf has implications for health.

Deputy Clendennen says that HVO ( Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and wood pellet heating systems must be an option for rural households during transition from peat and fossil fuels.

He raised the need for intermediary home heating fuel options 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.

In response the Minister confirmed that he is actively considering the role of HVO and wood pellet burners as interim heating solutions during the transition away from peat and fossil fuels.

''We need intermediary solutions, and I’m encouraged to hear the Minister is now giving serious consideration to the use of HVO and pellet stoves.''

Deputy Clendennen highlighted how rural households, particularly in counties like Offaly are being disproportionately impacted by Ireland’s carbon budget targets.

Emphasising that according to the last census, up to 40% of households in some towns in Offaly still rely on peat for central heating, Clendennen called for a more realistic, phased approach that recognises the limitations of infrastructure and both affordability and choice for private homeowners.

Minister O’Brien acknowledged the need for alternative fuel options that can work with existing home heating infrastructure, without requiring the immediate cost and disruption of a full retrofit.

''That’s something I’m actively looking at right now,'' said Minister O’Brien, ''particularly in areas like the Midlands, where there has already been massive change. We need the Just Transition to support households too, not just industry,'' he said.

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The Minister also confirmed that his department, in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is reviewing how energy retrofit grants might be reframed to be more accessible and possibly phased in stages, to better suit the financial realities of private homeowners.

''People want to play their part in the transition, but they need practical, affordable options. By supporting interim fuels like HVO and pellet stoves, we can decarbonise smarter, protect rural households, and avoid creating energy hardship'' concluded Clendennen.