Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Building Reform Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for attending. The first thing that jumps out at me is that it is a no-brainer that energy-efficient homes are very important. They are also healthy homes that are climate friendly as well as being more cost-effective. Yet we have an extraordinary situation in this city and others whereby local authorities seem to think it is okay to leave people, particularly those in flat complexes, in disgraceful, damp and mouldy conditions with single-glazed windows not just for three or five years but for decades upon decades. I have raised this issue consistently in the Oireachtas and will continue to do so. It is disgraceful that it is happening. Given that climate funding is available and there is an emphasis on climate measures around the built environment, is it not possible to use this opportunity to ensure that local authorities take immediate steps to improve these homes, for health reasons as well as climate reasons? Is there any way that more funding could be found to reduce homes' energy needs and make them healthier and safer places to live?

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