Retrofitting GMD

Green Party Councillor Lourda Scott expresses disappointment with the report that no social housing stock  will be retrofitted across the Greystones District.

Speaking after the recent Municpal District meeting, Cllr Scott said. “This year there was a welcome announcement of a € 1.1 m investment to improve social housing  energy efficiency in Co.  Wicklow. Approximately 40% of Ireland’s energy-related carbon emissions come from buildings alone, making retrofitting key to achieving Ireland’s objective of reducing its carbon emissions by more than half.   This will greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector and importantly, it will result in homes that are cheaper to run, allowing for warmer, more comfortable homes to live in.

However, it is important that the Greystones District receives it’s fair share of this funding opportunity. Although we may not have as much social housing stock as other areas, it’s important that we are not overlooked. I tabled a motion requesting a breakdown of how many houses are listed to be retrofitted locally. I was disappointed to learn that no social houses in the Greystones District are listed for works. While This programme focuses on a much deeper retrofitting than previously offered, ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided. This is a missed opportunity and I will be following up with the Council to ensure that Greystones District is included in similar programmes in the future.