Sinn Fein's Spokesperson on Poverty, Francie Molloy has called on Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland to explore how the Boiler Replacement Scheme could be extended to those most in need.
The MLA said: "This project was introduced by the DSD as part of the 'Warmer Homes' initiative for people over 60 years of age and in receipt of a pension. It will be available to 1,300 vulnerable households.
"People who meet the criteria and have boilers which are over 15 years old can apply for the grant which may be as much as £1500, to replace their old boiler.
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"This is a very important scheme as research has found that over 70% of home heating boilers are inefficient.
"This leads to people having to burn more fuel to stay warm increasing significantly the cost for many people to heat their homes.
"At over £530 for 900 litres people can't afford to be wasting fuel," he insisted.
"In light of the recent 35% plus energy price increases I am calling on the Minister to extend this programme to those most in need."
Addressing the DUP Minister he concluded: "In addition to the fuel poverty there is also an environmental issue for boiler replacement, an important consideration given EU demands to reduce emissions."
Such a move would also have an impact on heating contractors with extra work flowing from any extension to the scheme.
All sectors of the building industry are struggling in the middle of a recession so that any increase in work from such a Government-funded scheme would be a positive move.
(BMcC/GK)
