A new policy document has been launched to help improve energy efficiency in housing across the country.

The Sinn Féin document raises concerns about the monitoring of the implementation of the Near Zero Energy buildings directive, the accessibility of the SEAI grant funding and the lack of incentives for landlords to ensure that their rental properties have a high BER rating.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Ó Broin said: "We know we are well behind on our climate change targets and according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland the residential sector accounts for a quarter of the energy used in this state.

"The Department of Housing should be taking every step necessary to ensure the housing sector pulls its weight in terms of climate action.

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"As it stands according to a recent report by the SEAI, homes in this state emit almost 60% more CO2 than the average EU home.

"This is coupled with this state having the 4th highest electricity prices in the EU and approximately 400,000 households suffering from fuel poverty.

"Sinn Féin list seven recommendations as to how we can do better to encourage the retrofitting of existing social, private rented and private homes and what can be done to monitor the implementation of the NZEB directive.

He continued: "First and foremost, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government must produce a plan with clear deadlines for the energy retrofitting of all residential buildings. This plan must have clear funding commitments and ambitious targets.

"A review of the SEAI grant scheme should be conducted with a view to making it easier to access and expanding the range of measures included in scheme.

"The Residential Tenancies Board should be provided with the funding to launch an information campaign to advise landlords as to what grants and supports are available for energy retrofitting.

"The scale of the climate action task before us is enormous. We have a small window to act and every government department should be doing its bit."

(CM/JG)