Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen raised the need for intermediary home heating fuel options with the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, during a recent appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy.
In response to a question from Deputy Clendennen, the Minister confirmed that he is actively considering the role of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and wood pellet burners as interim heating solutions during the transition away from peat and fossil fuels.
“It’s simply logistically impossible to move an entire region from turf to full deep retrofits overnight. We need intermediary solutions, and I’m encouraged to hear the Minister is now giving serious consideration to the use of HVO and pellet stoves.”
Deputy Clendennen highlighted how rural households, particularly in counties like Offaly are being disproportionately impacted by Ireland’s carbon budget targets.
Emphasising that according to the last census, up to 40% of households in some towns in Offaly still rely on peat for central heating, Clendennen called for a more realistic, phased approach that recognises the limitations of infrastructure and both affordability and choice for private homeowners.
Minister O’Brien acknowledged the need for alternative fuel options that can work with existing home heating infrastructure, without requiring the immediate cost and disruption of a full retrofit.
“That’s something I’m actively looking at right now,” said Minister O’Brien, “particularly in areas like the Midlands, where there has already been massive change. We need the Just Transition to support households too, not just industry.”
The Minister also confirmed that his department, in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is reviewing how energy retrofit grants might be reframed to be more accessible and possibly phased in stages, to better suit the financial realities of private homeowners.
“People want to play their part in the transition, but they need practical, affordable options. By supporting interim fuels like HVO and pellet stoves, we can decarbonise smarter, protect rural households, and avoid creating energy hardship” concluded Clendennen.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Office of Deputy John Clendennen
087-6118883
[email protected]
Photo attached: Minister Darragh O’Brien with Deputy John Clendennen
