The Green Party has welcomed the Government's decision to reverse the decision to end a pilot scheme for the energy upgrading of homes. The decision was announced earlier today by Minister Richard Bruton TD.

Ciarán Cuffe the Green Party MEP for Dublin said:

"This is good news for householders. Many people have spent almost €2,000 on preparing their applications and I am glad that the Government has decided to reverse their decision to end the scheme.

"Looking ahead we desperately need joined-up thinking on tackling climate change. The Green Party will continue to put Fine Gael under pressure to deliver on their climate strategies and hep people save money on everyday fuel bills. 

"You could be forgiven for thinking that Fine Gael were making it up as they went along on this issue, but their change of heart is welcome. What we now need is a whole of Government approach to saving people money and addressing climate change. 

"Tackling fuel poverty needs to be a priority for Minister Bruton and we want him to not only provide grants, but to also ensure that local authority homes are brought up to an A-energy rating. This will save money for people on low incomes and reduce emissions also. It is a win-win for everyone."

ENDS

Issued and uploaded 19th August 2019