People Before Profit-Solidarity has called for cross-party support for a new bill attempting to allow home insulation to be exempt from planning permission.
The bill was launched after recent reports that one Dublin family has been ordered by the local council to remove an external insulation wrap costing thousands of euro as it currently requires planning permission to be put in place.
The couple used an SEAI-approved builder and received €4,000 in grants for the work.
However, they were later told by South Dublin County Council they would require planning permission for the insulation, and that without it they would potential risk a fine or imprisonment.
The local council has given the family until June to remove the insulation, and said if this does not happen officials will remove it and bill the family for the costs.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said he is introducing legislation seeking to exempt home insulation from planning permission in the same way as solar panels.
He said the situation is of benefit to families in terms of cutting energy costs, and will help the environment, saying imposing the existing rules is putting people off examining the option.
