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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Sophie Collins

RTE Prime Time viewers furious as Sarah McInerney points out huge flaw with new retrofit scheme

RTE Prime Time viewers were left furious after host Sarah McInerney pointed out a huge problem with the Government's new retrofit scheme.

Minister Ossian Smyth joined McInerney in RTE studios to discuss the latest scheme that aims to tackle the rising cost of living.

Irish homeowners will be able to avail of a €25,000 grant to help insulate their homes., which should then bring down the cost of heating as prices soar.

However, it was pointed out that €25,000 represents 50% of the cost to insulate the average family home in Ireland, and so, many families who are already struggling to pay their bills won’t be able to fork out the other 50%.

The host also pointed out that the aims of the scheme to help 500,000 homes be insulated before 2030 seems far-fetched when they are so short on workers to actually carry out the job.

One viewer wrote in anger: “Deep retrofit is not for the middle classes. Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. I need to buy a car, 15k for any ball of sh**e. I don't have a spare 20k.”

Another said: “If someone is struggling to pay their bills & their homes are cold, I’m not exactly seeing how they’re going to have the money to contribute towards retrofitting their homes or how that’d be their priority.”

A third said: “Can you remind the Minister if you are cold in your home tonight you don't have the money to retrofit.”

Viewers also praised McInerney for “another great interview”, where “she asked all the right questions” to allow for a discussion around the flaws of the scheme.

One viewer wrote: “Sarah doing great as expected. Pity she didn't chair the debate last week.”

Another wrote: “McInerney asking all the right questions, so many flaws with this new scheme.. Who is it for?”

A third said: “Another great interview, she’s the only one ready to fight the corner of those who need it.”

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