The Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet (RESS) has warned Ireland will struggle to achieve building efficiency ratings of 60% within ten years, as envisaged by the EU.

The organisation, quoting figures from a new report by the Irish Institute for International and European Affairs, said it would cost Ireland an estimated €50 billion to achieve this target by 2018.

Dick Whelan, RESS Project Leader, said the introduction of environmentally sound construction methods and materials in the building of new homes was being undermined by the fact around two thirds of Irish homes (one million) built before 1997 were poorly insulated.

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He said their energy inefficiency would mean they would be nowhere near meeting national energy efficiency targets.

Mr Whelan claimed householders across the country were continuing to waste millions of Euro each year on heating poorly insulated homes, and the situation was unlikely to improve without intervention by the government and local authorities.

"Apart from reducing fuel and electricity bills, a more energy-efficient home will help Ireland to meet its legally-binding climate change commitments and provide greater protection for householders against future increases in fuel costs, as well as making the use of renewable energy technologies a more practical option," said Mr Whelan.

RESS was set up in 2004 to provide training and support to plumbing and heating contractors and related trades and professionals involved in the design, specification, installation and maintenance of Renewable Energy Heating Systems.

The network offers FETAC accredited courses in Building Energy Rating, Biomass, Solar and Heatpump technologies as well as training in a wide range of other related topics.

(PR/JM)