Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture, deputy Matt Carthy, has said that the government must reverse its proposed ban on the sale of turf.
He said that the proposal was a “punitive measure in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis that further punishes people with no support to help them with a fair transition”.
He added that conflicting statements and mixed messages from government in recent days had led to great concerns in rural communities who need urgent clarity as a result.
“This proposal must be reversed, and the government must offer clarity to the many communities who do not know where they stand after mixed messaging and conflicting statements from ministers since last week,” deputy Carthy said.
“Those concerns need to be allayed – this is about people just wanting to be able to afford to heat their homes.
“Such a ban would punish communities who rely on turf, instead of introducing measures to support communities in transitioning away from this form of heating in a way that is fair and sustainable,” he added.
Turf is more affordable option
The Sinn Féin TD said that government actions and other factors have made heating homes increasingly unaffordable.
The Sinn Féin representative has previously stated: “The government could have identified several years ago the homes which use turf, to ensure that they received adequate support to help them with a fair transition. Instead, they failed to do so and have now gone straight to this punitive measure.”
Adding to his previous comments, deputy Carthy has now said: “Turf has been one of the only forms of heating not to see prices spiral in recent months, and is the last available option for many,” he stressed.
“Like the unfair carbon tax, it hits those on lowest incomes and in rural areas hardest while failing to go after the major polluters.
“Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing our planet and urgent action is required. But ill-thought out policies like this damage environmental protection by alienating communities.”