Building control regulations in Ireland need to “allow chimneys again” following the impact that Storm Éowyn has had, particularly on rural communities, according to an MEP.
The Independent MEP for Ireland south, Michael McNamara, has criticised what he described as a “green agenda” which he believes, in some cases, has left people “shivering with little alternatives due to strict regulations”.
ESB Networks said that Storm Éowyn brought “unprecedented, widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure” across the country.
It confirmed today (Wednesday, January 29) that approximately 133,000 homes, farms and businesses are still without power following the storm last week.
Chimneys
The Independent MEP for Ireland south said that ESB has indicated that the fallout from the storm could leave people without “electricity, heating, broadband, and other vital services” potentially until early February.
McNamara added: “In the wake of Storm Éowyn, many are paying the price for the over-centralisation of the planning system, and its capture by well-intentioned idiots with no understanding of the reality of rural life.
“Thousands are without electricity and heating.
“While most new homes have state of the art electric-powered heating systems, these homes have now been left in the cold, some looking out the window at a fallen tree that they can’t even burn for badly needed heat”.
One-off houses
The MEP believes that people who want to build one-off homes throughout Ireland “need to be allowed to build a house that common-sense determines should be able to be heated by solid fuel or oil, if necessary, as is their right”.
“If they wish to heat their home with a stove and chimney, they should be entitled to do so.
“Building control regulations on new one-off dwellings need to revised, making it more accessible for rural homeowners to live comfortably in their new homes, in all weather conditions, without facing the prospect of sitting in the cold,” he added.