John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)

As per the last census, there are some towns in my constituency of Offaly with up to 40% of households still relying on peat turf for home central heating. That is ten times the national average of 4%. These families are caught up in the crossfire between climate policy and home heating regulations. For many, moving from turf to a full retrofit is simply not financially feasible or logistically possible. As outlined in the programme for Government, and with the renewable heating obligation scheme due before Cabinet, I urge the Tánaiste to seriously consider low-carbon fuel alternatives such as hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO, with a 20% blend for home heating, and wood pellets. These fuel options would offer a realistic lower-emissions bridge for households moving away from peat where they choose to do so, with immediate benefit and without the heavy upfront costs of deep retrofits. If we truly believe in a just transition, then we must ensure rural families have practical and affordable pathways to reduce emissions. We must ensure our targets are not just ambitious but achievable.

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