The Housing Department of Monaghan County Council has made a proposal to help with energy efficiency and fuel poverty in social housing.
This proposal looks at allowing preferences when it comes to dual heating systems and reduce the financial implications of damaged or broken systems on the tenant.
In December 2020 a motion was brought to the council regarding the honouring of tenancy agreements when it came to allowing those in social housing who wanted to keep their dual heating systems,oil burners and solid fuels, to do so.
In response at the March meeting of Monaghan County Council a report was issue by the department of housing which analysed the home heating and energy efficiency in these homes.
There is currently nothing in the tenancy agreement which stipulates that the property must be retained in its form, with tenants responsible for the maintenance and service of systems
The reports outlines that they wish to move with the times and reduce fuel poverty through the elimination of solid fuel from the homes.
The costs associated with this are 5.9million to replace all stoves and flues, 1.5million for fireplaces, and 3 million for stainless steel flue liners replacement.
In order to respect current tenant's wishes while also reducing dependency on solid fuels, meaning greater return for heat per euro and reducing safety risks in homes, they have made compiled a proposal.
Older people will continue to get preferred heating system where feasible; no costs to the tenant for the improvement of energy efficiency, a promise not to remove the solid fuel system without a fully functioning alternative system, and a 2,000 euro interest free loan for tenants who want to keep dual heating.
