New figures have revealed that just 2% of homes across Co. Clare have achieved the highest possible energy rating.
Data released by the CSO has shown that of the more than 22,700 households examined in this county, around 450 are classed as ‘A’ in terms of their energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, oil continues to be the most popular household fuel.
The CSO’s data looked at 22,728 dwellings across this county.
It found that the average home in Clare is 32 years old meaning, unsurprisingly, that energy efficiency is not at the higher end of the scale.
Some 53% of the houses in this county have a rating of between C2 and D2, which is middle of the road, while only 2% have an A rating.
In addition, 8% have the lowest possible rating of G which, presumably, are among the oldest houses still occupied in the county.
The vast majority of the houses in Clare are still heated by oil, at 58%, while 13% are on a mains gas line.
As Ireland continues to move towards more energy-efficient homes, the numbers hitting the higher grades are expected to rise, however, thanks in part to county council-led grants to improve insulation and heating.
Michael Glynn, Clare FM, first for local news.
