Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise a similar issue regarding energy security in homes. It is reported the Minister recently said he would seek to ban oil burners in 2025. I am not aware of this being in the programme for Government but I am aware of a concerted effort by that industry to encourage the conversion of oil burners to accommodate hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO. This is a transition fuel that has the impact of reducing emissions by 85% over a ten-year period. It would be advisable and I encourage the Government to look favourably on this commitment as a means by which homes can transition and retrofit at a scale that is not akin to the €40,000, €50,000 or €60,000 that many cannot afford. These are certain stages of improvement that need to be considered, allowed and catered for. I encourage the Government not to put any barrier in front of such a proposal.

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