Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

For people who do not qualify for the free schemes, there is a range of grants and loans. Depending on the age of the building and the size, quite a substantial job can be required. It could be anywhere from €20,000 to €70,000 to carry out a deep retrofit. While there is a grant, it is a big expense, with people even having to borrow, and there is a long payback. The time, the cost and possibly having to relocate home, borrow or find alternative accommodation while the work is being undertaken are a further challenge.

For many people, the sums just do not add up. Is it possible to increase the level of grant? In Denmark, the loan interest rate is closer to 1%, which would make it more accessible for people. So many people are just not going to be able to conduct the works.

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