Should more people install wood burners given the chaos Storm Éowyn has brought to Ireland’s power supply? 

Nearly two weeks after the devastating storm, thousands are still without any electricity supply and could be for some time yet. 

In Dáil Éireann on Wednesday, independent TD Danny Healy-Rae said that, given the chaos, many of his constituents regret the fact they can no longer burn solid fuels in their homes. 

“Their chimneys were taken out as a direct result of the installation of these air-to-water systems and those people were left without heating in their homes at a time when they needed it most,” he told the chamber. 

“We need to revisit that and come up with solutions into the future.” 

#Dáil Topical Issue 1: Deputy Danny Healy-Rae @dannyhealyrae - To the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage - To discuss removal of chimneys from houses. #SeeForYourselfhttps://t.co/TvtNmjSXfl pic.twitter.com/9NWeHx7K9o

— Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) February 5, 2025

On Newstalk Breakfast, independent MEP Michael McNamara said it would be wise for people to have a “backup plan” given the likelihood there will be more severe storms in the future. 

He suggested people should look at getting stoves installed in their homes. 

“The big obstacle with chimneys is that they allow a lot of air to escape out of the home,” he said. 

“Stoves don’t carry the same problem - or, at least, many stoves don’t.

“I do think it’s important that there’s a backup; there are homes across Ireland who can’t listen to the programme this morning because they still don’t have electricity after the storm.” 

ESB Networks crews during restoration works in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM

Also on the programme, UCC Emeritus Professor of Chemistry John Sodeau said there are very good health reasons why the Government has clamped down on the burning of solid fuels in recent years. 

“The fact remains that solid fuel burning, coal, peat and wood releases small particles that can kill,” he said. 

“They [cause everything] from cardio problems, strokes, cancer, dementia and diabetes. 

“If it’s burnt in family homes, then family and neighbours are all in the firing line. 

“One way to stop the addiction is for new builds, at least, to have no chimneys; also for laws to be put in place to prevent them punching holes through walls to put wood stoves in.” 

Smoke coming from homes in County Donegal. Image: Piere Bonbon / Alamy

In response, Mr McNamara said he does not think “every home in Ireland” should be heated with solid fuels. 

“I’m just saying that there needs to be a backup,” he said. 

“I think very few people would like the idea of an open fire in every bedroom and that they [had to] carry buckets of coal or buckets of wood up and down to heat their home.” 

The burning of both solid fuels and gas contributes to climate changes, which has led to an increase in extreme weather in recent years.

Main image: A fireplace. Picture by: Perry Mastrovito/Design Pics via ZUMA Wire.