A homeowner has hit out at the suggestion of banning oil and gas boilers, saying it is "neither possible nor feasible".

If the plan moves forward, homes built from next year would not be allowed to install boilers, and a blanket ban on replacement installations would soon follow.

On The Anton Savage Show today, one listener wrote in saying: "My gas boiler is 17 years old and will be replaced next year at a cost of €2500."

"As a 58 year old, it is neither possible nor feasible to change to a heat pump."

"It would cost thousands that I just don't have, and if I did I would never see a return."

"Fossil fuel dependence"

Around 500,000 boilers are due to be replaced within the next few years.

According to environmental journalist John Gibbons, if we simply reinstall fossil fuel boilers in these homes, "we're locking ourselves into fossil fuel dependence for the next 10 or 15 years".

He said that this should be prevented for our own energy security and to reduce the environmental damage boilers do.

Another listener said: "There is no work that can bring my 170-year-old stone home to an energy standard that makes a heat pump system feasible."

"Removing my ability to replace my oil boiler will remove my ability to heat my home."

Main image shows a gas boiler. Picture by: Rosemary Roberts/Alamy

According to heating contractor John Corr, serious infrastructure changes are needed if the government plans to ban gas and oil boilers.

He said using heat generated by industry sources could be a problem for places like Dublin city.

"At the moment I am aware that Dublin city's underground, the congestion of pipework, it's not possible to bring the pipelines up areas - or down through the city centre - to go out to a new estate that maybe is going to be built in South Dublin County Council".

Energy price hikes

The Irish Independent today reported that some families will see their energy bills soar to just €1200 over two months come winter.

This follows price hike after price hike by the major energy companies this year.

Bord Gáis Energy is the latest company to announce an increase, saying the average residential gas bill could rise 39% from October 2nd.

Just over a month ago, the company announced a 74% rise in operating profits for the first half of the year.

The utility recorded an adjusted profit of €39.5m in the first half of the year, compared to €22.7m in the same period last year.

Mr Gibbons added that, as well as an energy war, there is also a "climate war" looming.

Listen back to the full conversation here.

Main image shows worker setting up central gas heating boiler at home. Picture by: ronstik/Alamy