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Energy Efficiency

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Questions (84)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

84. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the implementation of the nZEB regulations for residential developments in social and private housing; and the engagement he has had with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to ensure full compliance with these important regulations. [6305/21]

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Written answers

The European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2019 set higher building energy performance standards for dwellings, in accordance with the Nearly Zero Energy Building requirements (NZEB) contained in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

These Regulations apply to works in connection with the design and construction of a new dwelling, where the relevant works commence or take place, as the case may be, on or after 1 November 2019 except where –

- an application is made on or before 31 October 2019 for planning permission or approval pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000 and where substantial work has been    completed by 31 October 2020; or

- a notice pursuant to the provisions of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 has been published on or before 31 October 2019 and where substantial work has been completed by 31 October 2020.

These regulations apply to all new residential developments/dwellings – whether private or social housing.  

The Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) is used to demonstrate compliance of new dwellings with Nearly Zero Energy Buildings performance requirements. The DEAP methodology is published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive Implementation Group consisting of the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland meet on a regular basis to coordinate the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

In regard to the retrofit programmes under the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to B2 BER or cost optimal equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing residential buildings by 2030. Both Departments work to ensure that all works are carried out in compliance with the relevant regulations.

Under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, primary responsibility for compliance of works with the requirements of the Building Regulations, rests with the owners, designers and builders of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities, who have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Acts and who are independent in the use of their statutory powers. 

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