Extend free home retrofitting upgrades to renters, SVP tells politicians

Saint Vincent de Paul head of social justice Dr Tricia Keilthy: 'Our primary recommendation in this area is that free upgrades are extended to private rented households in receipt of Hap, conditional on a long-term lease.' Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Home retrofitting should be targeted towards renters as well as homeowners as they can be at greater risk of energy poverty, living in cold, mouldy homes, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

Representatives from St Vincent de Paul said some households most in need of having their home retrofitted are not accounted for in national retrofitting plans.