Fears climate plan will not support rural communities
Irish Rural Link (IRL)– the national network representing the interest of rural communities’ has welcomed yesterday's Government launched Climate Action Plan, however, remains concerned over the impact it will have on rural communities and how they will afford to make changes.
“There continues to be a real fear in rural areas on the measures needed to address climate change and that they will be disadvantaged. Reassurances are needed and must be delivered on the transport needs, home heating needs and employment. From previous work carried out, IRL are aware that there are approx.190,000 homes in rural and remote areas wholly dependent on solid fuel to heat their homes,” said the organisation in a statement following the plan's release.
The National Retrofit Plan they say needs to be “sufficiently funded” and that “more detail” is needed on the income thresholds for 100% grants, such as warmer home, as well as proportion available on other retrofitting grants.
For households earning minimum wage or indeed middle-income earners, IRL point out that they are currently not eligible for 100% grants and “certainly do not have the financial means to retrofit their homes even with grants. More details are needed on the loan scheme included in this plan as these households will need sufficient financial support to make the changes.”
The move meanwhile to an Electric car for many households in rural areas is also “not affordable or viable”, contest the IRL, who though welcomed the launch of the consultation on public transport in rural areas last week. “Increasing services by 25% will not be enough to reduce dependency on a car or for those who have no access to a car.”
They add: “Immediate training and upskilling is needed for those who have lost their jobs and will continue to lose their jobs as a result of the closure of power stations and peat harvesting. People must be able to move smoothly into new employment.
“This plan must have the adequate budget behind it to support those people who, at present are unable to make the necessary changes and continue to be negatively impacted by measures to reach carbon emission targets.”