Friends of the Earth Proposes 50-Point Plan to Ditch Fossil Fuels
Friends of the Earth submitted a 50-point plan to the Government to transition from fossil fuels, backed by a survey showing 82% public support for moving away from fossil fuel heating, provided affordable alternatives are available. The plan includes insulation, phasing out fossil fuel boilers, and funding through levies and ending subsidies. It aims to reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported oil and gas.
Friends of the Earth has submitted a 50-point plan to the Government, outlining strategies to transition away from fossil fuels. This initiative follows a survey of 1,774 people, revealing 82% favor moving from fossil fuel heating, though 66% prioritize affordable alternatives first.
The plan advocates for a «warmer homes before winter» strategy, focusing on rapid attic and cavity wall insulation. It also calls for a clear timeline to phase out new oil and gas boilers, supported by measures to make heat pumps cheaper, and recommends removing VAT on energy efficiency works and heat pump insulation. Other proposals include easing regulations for balcony solar panels, expanding the Warmer Homes Scheme to renters, and extending the solar schools program.
Funding sources suggested include a windfall levy on energy companies' excess profits and ending fossil fuel subsidies, which cost the State €4.7 billion in 2024. Deirdre Duffy, Friends of the Earth chief executive, highlighted Ireland’s reliance on imported oil and gas, stating the solution is not to perpetuate the current system but to prioritize cheaper, secure electricity.