Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we know, the just transition objective is to fund innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of those especially impacted by the move away from carbon. My county is impacted both with regard to employment and those who used the bog as a source of fuel for their homes. We were happy when Kildare was one of the counties where the retrofitting pilot project was to be rolled out. Eligible residents in four different parts of Kildare, in local authority estates, were chosen for this roll-out. Their homes were to be retrofitted to increase their energy efficiency. That would reduce costs associated with heating their homes.

There has been significant frustration with the first programme rolled out in my home town of Rathangan. Residents are incredibly disappointed that the retrofitting programme they were promised is not the one that they are receiving. Originally, a commitment was made to residents that the funding would support retrofitting, including the replacement of windows and doors which, in this housing estate, which is not new, would be important for energy efficiency. The residents have now been told by Kildare County Council that the funding for the scheme is not sufficient to fulfil those commitments. The fact that the doors and windows are now not included in the scheme has seen interest in the scheme fall by one third.

We all know that draughty windows and doors are a significant source of heat loss. It does not make sense to retrofit a home, cause significant inconvenience to the family living there by turning their home upside-down, and then leave the old doors and windows in place. This fund was made available to people through the just transition.It is vital that the programme is delivered as promised and that the scheme meets the expectation of all of the residents within the particular housing estates that were chosen for it.

Will the Minister of State clarify who is responsible for the inconsistency? Will sufficient funding be made available to retrofit properly the homes of those who have applied to join the scheme? It is not just about the residents of Rathangan. The scheme in that area was the first to be put in place. It is also about those in Derrinturn and Athy in County Kildare. Will the Department fully engage with Kildare County Council to ensure the promises made to the people of Rathangan and to the residents of the three other schemes are fully delivered?