Climate action plan 'must deliver decarbonisation options for all Mayo homes and businesses'

Liquid Gas Ireland (LGI) has warned that Ireland’s climate policies risk leaving rural Ireland behind unless the next climate action plan supports a wider range of practical and affordable pathways to decarbonisation.

In its submission to the climate action plan consultation, LGI warns that a one size fits all approach risks excluding many rural and off gas grid households from Ireland's climate transition.

While electrification and heat pumps have a key role to play, LGI says climate policy must also reflect the realities of older buildings, infrastructure limitations and affordability challenges.

According to the SEAI National Heat Study, heat pumps are considered technically suitable in around 82% of existing homes following the deployment of all suitable energy efficiency measures, indicating that nearly one in five homes may face barriers to heat pump adoption.

For these households, LGI argues that renewable ready gas boilers, LPG, BioLPG and future renewable liquid gases can provide a practical route to lower emissions.

Alan Farrell, senior director of government affairs and policy at LGI, said: “There is no single pathway to net zero.

"Climate policy must provide households and businesses with solutions that work for their circumstances and can deliver emissions reductions today while supporting the transition to renewable energy."

LGI highlights that switching from coal, peat or heating oil to LPG can deliver immediate emissions reductions, while BioLPG can achieve lifecycle greenhouse gas savings of up to 90%, depending on feedstock.

The submission also highlights the potential for Ireland to develop an indigenous renewable liquid gas sector.

Independent analysis estimates that Ireland could produce more than 100,000 tonnes of renewable liquid gas annually by 2050, potentially meeting more than 60% of current liquid gas demand with the right policy supports.

Farrell added: “A ‘Just Transition’ must be about more than achieving a national target. It must give people practical ways to reduce emissions, regardless of where they live or the type of building or business they operate.

"A mixed technology approach can help rural homes and businesses cut emissions, protect affordability and ensure no community is left behind.”