It is not proposed at this stage to make solar water heating systems mandatory in new houses. However, I intend to keep this option under review in the light of growing experience with the voluntary use of this technology in Ireland. To date, over 1,000 applications for grant assistance towards installation of solar water heating have been approved by SEI under the "Greener Homes" and "House of Tomorrow" schemes.
The amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations set a maximum permitted CO
2
emission rate, for new dwellings. Achievement of compliance with the requirement can of course be facilitated through the installation of solar water heating at the construction stage.