80% of homes are heated by fossil fuels

Four out of five homes use fossil fuels, such as gas, oil and coal to heat their homes, while just one in 50 homes do not have central heating.

The Census 2011 data shows a distinct urban/rural split between the two main fossil fuel types used in Irish homes.

In rural areas, 70% of homes used oil to heat their homes, while in towns and cities some 52% of homes used natural gas. Among the more traditional fuel types, coal was the primary fuel in just 5% of homes while a further 5% of households used peat. Less that one in 50 homes did not have central heating.