Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 7

Written Answers. - Building Regulations.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

32 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to take any new measures to improve the energy efficiency of housing construction methods, in view of the fact that one third of all COL emissions in Ireland comes from residential housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14652/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

Part L of the building regulations, which applies to the design and construction of new buildings and the reconstruction of existing buildings, sets out the legal requirements to be observed in relation to the conservation of fuel and energy.

Technical guidance document L, which accompanies the regulations, provides guidance on the thermal performance standards of various elements in buildings, including roofs, walls and so on. For typical construction, the technical guidance document provides guidance on determining the thickness of insulation material required to achieve the standards, taking account of the thermal properties of both the insulation and the basic construction.

The building regulations do not place a restriction on the use of any method of construction or product, provided the performance requirements of the building regulations are met.

My Department has initiated a review of the insulation requirements of technical guidance document L having regard to Ireland's obli gations to limit greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol of 1997. In accordance with standard practice, my Department has consulted the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) on the proposed review. The BRAB has, in turn, commissioned a technical study by the Energy Research Group, UCD, of the impact of greater insulation levels in new houses on building systems commonly used in Ireland and on indoor air climate. The study is expected to be completed by the end of June 2000. I understand that the outcome of the study will be discussed by the BRAB in July 2000. The Deputy will appreciate that I do not wish to prejudge the outcome at this stage. I will await the results of the study and the subsequent advice of the BRAB on the revision of the relevant technical guidance.