A new report has warned that gas stoves, fireplaces and chimneys should be phased out of Irish homes as soon as possible as they are 'contributing to a health crisis'.

The European Environmental Bureau report warns that open fireplaces and chimneys in homes increase risk of death by fire and explosions - and can also cause asthma and other long-term illnesses.

On Newstalk Breakfast, report co-author Dr Michael Keary warned that these 'combustion technologies' are a health and safety issue.

“They're killing and injuring people through fires and explosions, they're contributing to a health crisis in this country - especially asthma," he said.

"We've the second worst asthma rates in Western Europe.

“They're causing, through carbon monoxide poisoning, on average, about six deaths a year in the country."

Grants

Dr Keary admitted that the cost of getting rid of fireplaces and gas boilers can be extortionate – and called on Government to prioritise retrofitting grants.

“We really need to do more - particularly for low-income housing,” he said.

“We can't expect people to just be able to spend thousands and thousands of euros on these things, even if they're going to get it back."

Regulations on oil and gas burners have already been put in place to improve sustainability.

Their installation will be prohibited in new buildings from 2025, while existing homes will be encouraged to phase the products out.

The Government needs to submit its plans for improving at-home-sustainability to the European Social Climate Fund by June 2025 to be considered for eligibility and funding that would allow for more grants.

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