Mr Tennyson was speaking after the Department for the Economy missed targets to launch new energy efficiency schemes for homes and businesses by the end of 2022. The Energy Strategy Action Plan, which would include a plan for cutting energy-related emissions by 2030, was agreed by the Executive in 2021.

“The energy efficiency schemes proposed in the strategy are intended to support the retrofitting of homes and businesses to cut household bills and reduce emissions,” said the Upper Bann MLA.

“The schemes are absolutely essential to make sure homes are warm, well-insulated and if we are to have any hope of meeting our statutory climate targets. Yet, in the absence of an Executive key deadlines for delivery have been missed.

“For too long, Northern Ireland has lagged behind on climate change. Progress is once again being stalled amid the DUP’s deadlock, with our people and planet paying the price.”