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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Nov 1979

Vol. 316 No. 11

Written Answers. - Solar Energy.

339.

asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, for the implementation of the European Council's resolution of 16 June 1977 calling on governments to set a good example by using solar energy in the construction of public buildings for ambient heating purposes or for the partial replacement of oil heating of public swimming pools.

I assume the Deputy is referring to a resolution of the European Parliament dated 11 July 1977 which states, inter alia, as follows: “The European Parliament believes that solar energy could be usefully applied by Member States in the construction of public buildings.” The construction of public buildings for Government purposes is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. Insofar as public buildings and public swimming pools under the control of local authorities are concerned no plans have been made up to the present for the use of solar energy for heating purposes in connection with them. However, in July, and again in August this year, I informed local authorities of the Government's concern that effective measures should be taken by them to reduce energy consumption by eliminating waste and encouraging conservation as much as possible, both in their day-to-day operations and in the public buildings under their control. At the same time I asked them to take great care where new buildings are proposed, to ensure that adequate insulation and the most efficient and economical means of heating and lighting are provided for in the design.

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