SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
Said the Foyle MLA: “Northern Ireland is making progress towards a clean renewable energy economy, but we must do more and act swiftly.
“Substantial tax incentives for businesses and homeowners to invest in sources of clean renewable energy could lead to a triple bonus – lower carbon emissions, cleaner air and more jobs created.
“That is the type of economy the SDLP wants.
“While we await the outcome of the RHI Inquiry, we must learn the lessons of past mistakes. One of those was to believe that burning our way out of the climate crisis is impossible and just stupid.
“We need investment in clean energy sources.
“That means not only supporting wind generation and solar panels, but other technologies as well such as heat pumps, district heating and geothermal.
“Many of these technologies will only achieve critical mass if more generous tax incentives are provided.
“Removing VAT on the sale of items that improve home energy efficiency could be an important move to encourage the retrofitting of homes, including those owned by social housing providers.”
Ms McLaughlin added: “I have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak urging him to provide generous tax incentives for businesses and homeowners for clean renewable energy investment in next week’s Budget.”
