Over 1,500 homes in Ballyfermot in need of insulation against the winter
By Maurice Garvey
OVER 1,500 council homes in Ballyfermot are in need of insulation, amid concerns Dublin City Council are facing a shortfall for a citywide insulation programme.
Many local authority tenants are at risk of fuel poverty according to reports carried in recent years, while charity group Alone say one in ten older people are facing a difficult winter.
At Monday’s Dublin City Council meeting with Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy, was challenged by Cllr Daithí Doolan to work with the council to eliminate fuel poverty in Ballyfermot.
Cllr Doolan, Chair of DCC’s Housing Committee said: “Fuel poverty is a very real challenge for families in Ballyfermot. Of the 8,653 council homes that urgently need insulating, 1,539 are here in Ballyfermot. A full insulation programme for Dublin would cost €139 million, but Dublin City Council has a shortfall of just €40 million.
“Every independent report has highlighted fuel poverty and the benefits of proper insulation.
“Phase One, which covered the more modern council houses, was a huge success, saving tenants €16 million between 2013-2016.
“DCC requested €3.35 million in June to get Phase Two started. We are still waiting for a response from the Minister. After this week’s meeting, I hope to finally see the Department releasing the funding for this insulating work to commence.
“The Minister and City Council must work together to eliminate fuel poverty in Ballyfermot and right across Dublin.”
