Rural Ireland needs fair climate supports in Budget 2027 for a just transition
Budget 2027 must support affordable, practical heating solutions for rural communities, says Liquid Gas Ireland
Key Budget 2027 recommendations
Liquid Gas Ireland has outlined five core measures to ensure a fair and effective energy transition:
- Ensure parity of support for off gas grid homes and businesses
Government must extend all renewable gas incentives and decarbonisation supports to liquid gas, ensuring households and businesses outside the natural gas network are not disadvantaged. A mixed technology approach will provide cost effective pathways while avoiding widening the rural/urban divide.
- Use the Climate and Nature Fund to support affordability
Targeted allocations from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund are needed to offset additional costs associated with the transition to renewable liquid gas, as well as the impact of the Renewable Heat Obligation. This will keep lower carbon options affordable, prevent energy poverty and support uptake in rural areas.
- Revamp SEAI grants to reflect a mixed technology approach
Liquid Gas Ireland is calling for expanded and restructured SEAI retrofit supports to include renewable ready gas boilers, hybrid heating systems and renewable liquid gases. This would enable a phased and more affordable transition for rural households.
- Support rural SMEs and off gas grid businesses
Policies must avoid imposing disproportionate energy costs on SMEs in rural areas. The submission calls for expanded supports such as the SEAI Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, alongside safeguards to maintain competitiveness and protect jobs.
- Incentivise coproduction of renewable liquid gas
Targeted Budget 2027 research and development funding must be introduced to support innovation and incentivise the co-production of renewable liquid gases under the National Biomethane Strategy and Renewable Heat Obligation.
For the submission in full see here: Liquid Gas Ireland Prebudget Submission
