Construction experts have called on the Government to refocus Ireland's carbon reduction goals on industry, saying that it would be 75 times more cost-efficient than revamping residential homes.

Building analytics software experts CIM say an initiative targeting the top 100 industrial energy emitters, alongside the current national retrofitting scheme, is needed if Ireland is to reach its 2030 emission targets.

Paul Walsh, CIM general manager, said the Government is "missing a huge opportunity" by not introducing a new law to force large carbon emitters to act.

He added: "There is 75 times greater cost efficiency to be gained by deploying data analytics software on industry compared to the National Retrofitting Residential Scheme.

"By focusing on making the industry sector more efficient in their operations, the Irish Government can protect Irish jobs and deliver on the targets."

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The national retrofitting scheme, launched in February, received a backlash over its impact on poorer families.

Sinn Féin TD Pauline Tully said: "Those on low incomes are once again being left behind. The plan is prioritising an ability to pay over need."

CIM said businesses cannot invest as much money following the pandemic and are searching for "low-hanging fruit" to support them.

It claimed Ireland will be unable to deliver its CO2 reduction goals without additional initiatives.

The companies being targeted are the Large Industry Energy Network - a group of the 196 biggest energy users in Ireland. They account for 18% of the total primary energy requirement.

Mr Walsh revealed CIM has received a surge in calls from businesses to help them bring down energy costs.

He commented: "For years, companies have been missing out on opportunities to optimise what they have and achieve energy wins and sustainability with data available."