Vol. 420 No. 9
85 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline his estimate of the heat loss from (a) dwellings and (b) commercial properties in the State; the economic cost involved; the way in which Irish rates compare to other EC countries; and the steps, if any, he proposes to take to reduce this loss.
The data requested by the Deputy is not available and its compilation would require a detailed and costly survey of the many different types of domestic and commercial buildings in this State, an exercise which it would be difficult to justify having regard to other demands on public funds.
I am satisfied that there is considerable potential for energy savings in buildings both domestic and commercial and measures aimed at improving energy efficiency in this area have been a feature of my Department's energy conservation programme. Many of the planned initiatives under the European community's ‘SAVE' Programme are also aimed, directly or indirectly, at improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The ESB is also engaged in a promotional programme with the aim of improving the efficiency of electricity use in buildings.
