Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
299. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Housing for All plan has been subjected to a carbon impact assessment in the context of the carbon budgets required pursuant to the Climate Change and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44966/21]
View answerHousing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was launched earlier this month. The plan will increase new housing supply to an average of at least 33,000 new units per year over the next decade. This will include over 10,000 social homes each year over the next five years, with 9,500 of these being new-builds, and an average of 6,000 affordable homes for purchase or rent.
This Plan will ensure that we achieve a more sustainable housing system with a planning system that is fit for purpose and that will create long-term vibrant communities with the necessary supporting infrastructure.
All new dwellings delivered under this plan will be built to Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards. The performance requirement for NZEB is based on the 2018 Cost Optimal Study available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/39fe4-energy-performance-of-buildings/#energy-performance-of-buildings-directive-reports.
In addition the delivery of new social housing has also undergone a Climate and Environmental Assessment as part of the review of the National Development Plan.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 enacted in July, establishes a significantly strengthened climate governance framework to support delivery of enacted climate targets, embedding a process of carbon budgeting, including sectoral emission ceilings.
The Climate Change Advisory Council are expected to propose carbon budgets shortly, which are consistent with furthering the achievement of the national climate objective, following which a recommendation will be made to Government for approval to propose the budgets to the Oireachtas for consideration in accordance with the provisions the Act.
In parallel, the Climate Action Plan 2021 is being finalised and will be published shortly. As provided for under the Act, future Action Plans will provide an opportunity to set out actions, as necessary, to ensure compliance with sectoral targets and will include consideration of specific actions and measures for the built environment sector.
There was no specific requirement for a carbon impact assessment in the development of the Housing for All plan under the Act.
