Dublin couple faces fine over external insulation removal

A couple from Dublin, Clive and Samantha Ryan, have been threatened with a fine if they do not remove external insulation they installed on their home. They spent €16,000 on this project in 2018, seeking to lower high energy bills. They received a grant from the council for the work but were not informed about the need for planning permission. Now, they are dealing with the stress of potentially having to take the insulation down after receiving multiple letters from the local council. Mr. Ryan expressed regret, stating that if he had known the difficulties in advance, he would not have gone through with the insulation project. This situation has also discouraged them from considering future energy-saving options like solar panels. In response to the couple’s case, the political party People Before Profit-Solidarity is drafting a new bill. This proposed legislation aims to clarify the rules around planning permission for external wall insulation. It would exempt such installations from needing permission under certain conditions, particularly for typical homes, except historic or protected structures. Councillor Jess Spear, who has been working with the Ryans, has called the situation "mad" given the climate crisis. Local authorities, including South Dublin County Council, have acknowledged a lack of clarity on this issue, forcing individuals to navigate a complicated system. TD Paul Murphy highlighted the inconsistency in planning regulations across different councils. He stated that similar regulations exist for solar panels, and a clear framework is needed for external wall insulation. The proposed bill aims to encourage homeowners to invest in energy-saving improvements without the fear of fines or legal action. South Dublin County Council has been asked for a comment on this matter.