Spokesperson on Communications, Environment and Natural Resources, Timmy Dooley, has said that while there is merit in the scheme, Minister Naughton needs to ensure that the mistakes that took place in the north are understood and learned from.
Mr Dooley said: "Public confidence, in schemes such as these, is essential. This scheme cannot be used as a mechanism to reward big business, or political supporters. It must deliver a reduction in the amount of fossil fuels burned. Anything else fails the basic test for the scheme.
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"This is a rehash of the 2014 Fine Gael proposal to introduce a renewable heat incentive scheme. Back then they promised it would be rolled out, and made available by 2016.
"While its 12 months overdue already, when compared to some of Fine Gael's promises on broadband for example, it’s better late than never.
"However, it needs to be finalised, and rolled out as quickly as possible to enable the much-needed switch to renewable heat and energy to pick up pace.
"The Government's inaction on climate change, one of the biggest challenges facing the world today, has been nothing short of appalling. Time after time, we have seen grand promises from them, but very little action has ensued.
"By incentivising commercial operators to use renewable energy for their heating needs, this scheme will help us to increase the amount of heating we source from renewable sources."
(CD/LM)
