Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Muirí has urged the Government to consider a scrappage programme to help households retire ageing gas and oil boilers in favour of more efficient systems.

Chair of the Oireachtas Climate, Environment and Energy Committee, Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí said: "A boiler scrappage scheme is one practical measure that should be examined.

"We have successfully used targeted incentives in other sectors to encourage change, and there is no reason similar supports should not be considered for home heating.

"Around 700,000 homes still depend on home heating oil. While many owners want to cut emissions and high energy costs are encouraging a move away from fossil fuels, the upfront expense of switching heating systems remains a major obstacle for families.

-- Advertisement --

"Climate action will only work if people can afford it. Ireland will not meet its climate targets unless ordinary households are given practical and affordable ways to switch.

"We've seen the success of the recent car scrappage scheme offering €5,000 for drivers to trade in their vehicle if it's over 13 years old and get an EV.

"Government policy already includes a commitment to target older, oil‑heated homes for a shift to renewable systems, and to look at sustainable alternatives where deep retrofits are not feasible. Fine Gael’s last General Election manifesto pledged to “target older homes still using oil to switch to renewable heating systems, lowering carbon footprints and costs."

Deputy Ó Muirí said there is no single pathway to decarbonisation that will suit every household, noting that for many families in older properties, a deep retrofit or heat pump can involve substantial upfront costs.

He added that alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil, biomethane and other lower‑carbon technologies merit careful consideration. He said they are not a full replacement for complete decarbonisation, but could provide a practical bridge for homes not yet ready to move to fully electrified heating.

"We will not reach our climate goals by asking people to do the impossible. We will reach them by making the right choices affordable.

"The Government needs to make it easier, not harder, for families to make the switch."