Sir, – The cost of retrofitting much of our housing stock is going to be extensive. From an environmental perspective it has to be done.
At an individual level it’s unaffordable for many and the payback on a purely financial calculation isn’t viable, particularly for older people.
Government grants may make upgrading viable for younger people, but are inequitable, as those buying new efficient homes are funding these from their own resources.
Surely the solution is for the State to 100 per cent fund retrofitting and attach the cost as a lien on the property.
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Whenever the property is sold, the owner will get the added value of the retrofit and the State will be refunded its investment in the retrofit.
– Yours, etc,
FERGUS DALY,
Cobh,
Co Cork.