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Ballyteague Man Says The Government Should Offer More Supports For Those Using Smokeless Fuels

Photograph: Patrick Bolger/the Guardian

Mick Gilligan grew on the Ballyteague bog, and says a switch to more sustainable form of energy is often not feasible

A Ballyteague man who grew up on Ballyteague bog has said the Government needs to do more to support local turf cutters.

Speaking on this morning's Kildare Today show, Mick Gilligan now uses smokeless fuel to heat his home for the past three years, but says it is an expensive fuel to heat.

He says the Government should be working to support those on lower income or pensions due to the prices of smokeless fuel.

The discussion came from the latest report by the Climate Change Advisory Council that warns Ireland urgently needs to phase out fossil fuels from our homes and workplaces.

Recalling his time working on the bog, Gilligan said it wasn't easy, as he had to wheel barrows of cut turf.

"You had to do it to try and make a living", he said, "and we did it for other people as well."

When asked about people switching to more sustainable energy and the likes of underfloor heating, Gilligan said he thinks it is changing for the better.

However, he pointed out that the switch can only be done by people who have the income, and it is hard for those on a low income to do so.

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