Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 3

Written Answers. - Leinster House Energy Audit.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

25 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the result of the 1990 energy audit on Leinster House; the inefficiencies, if any, it highlighted; the action, if any, which has been taken to rectify the matter; and the results of any such action.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

The audit to which the Deputy refers was carried out by Eolas as part of our Department's drive for more efficient use of energy in public building. The particular audit in question covered the Houses of the Oireachtas and other buildings in the Government Buildings block and complex. The scope for energy savings was identified in three main headings; thermal energy utilisation, electricity utilisation and energy management and control.

The Office of Public Works has the primary responsibility for the provision of heating and lighting in Government Buildings. I understand from the Office of Public Works, that recommendations identified in the report, which involve a short payback period have been implemented. It is hoped to improve the energy efficiency of the building by further refurbishing the air-conditioning system in the Dáil Chamber during the next summer recess.