Concerns over installation of heat pumps in Kildare County Council homes raised

Concerns revolving around the installation of heat pumps in Kildare County Council (KCC) homes were raised by a councillor for the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD).

Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell relayed his thoughts to KCC at the latest MD meeting on Wednesday, April 16 last.

At this meeting, Cllr McDonnell asked KCC: "Can the council confirm why it is installing heat pumps in badly insulated Kildare County Council houses?"

The Newbridge representative also noted at the meeting that he has experience working in the construction sector.

Responding to his query, KCC said via its report at the meeting: "Since no specific property is mentioned, it is assumed that the question relates to the upgrade of the existing KCC housing stock under the Energy Efficiency / Retrofitting Programme (EERP)."

"This programme provides funding to ensure that the fabric of the home is upgraded, and an efficient decarbonised heating system is provided, namely a heat pump."

Cllr Tom McDonnell, Independent. Photo credit: kildarecoco.ie

"The works carried out to achieve this energy rating may or may not include attic insulation, wall insulation / dry lining, windows and door upgrade, renewable heating systems, replacement radiators and pipework."

"The extent of these works will be decided upon based on those needed to achieve a B2 BER rating and ensuring costs are balanced to maximise the number of units retrofitted," KCC concluded.

A representative of KCC then told Cllr McDonnell that if he is aware of a specific KCC home with an alleged poor quality heat pumping system in place, then he can inform KCC.

It was agreed that KCC would discuss the matter further with Cllr McDonnell outside of the meeting.

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