Fianna Fáíl Spokesperson on Climate Action, Jack Chambers has said that the upscaling of retrofitting programmes could have a vital role the play in tackling climate change and recovery following COVID-19.
Deputy Chambers said: “Having recently met with energy experts from MaREI, I am more convinced than ever that the next government must upscale its ambitions for home retrofitting.
“The implications of COVID-19 mean that large reskilling programmes will be required to provide new skills to those who find themselves out of work.
“We know that a skilled workforce is one of the big barriers to achieving a retrofitting programme on the scale which is needed. In my view, these two pieces of work can be merged to meet both our goals for economic recovery and meeting increased climate change ambitions.
“The benefits go far beyond these issues. If designed correctly, this programme could result in better quality social homes and reduced energy bills for less well-off homes,” concluded Deputy Chambers.
