Jim O'Callaghan
Question:401. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action his Department is taking to improve the indoor environmental quality standards of Ireland’s homes. [26039/23]
View answerTuesday, 30 May 2023
Questions (401)
Written answers
The Building Regulations 1997 to 2022 set out minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings and works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around such buildings. They are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment, and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.
Ventilation provisions are set out for new buildings and buildings undergoing material alteration, change of use and major renovation in Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations 2019 and accompanying technical guidance documents.
As a result of Nearly Zero Energy Building performance requirements for new dwellings, Part F (Ventilation) 2019 of the building regulations now requires mechanical ventilation in most new dwellings. We have introduced an inspection and validation of ventilation systems by an independent third party installer registered with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) or equivalent. The Technical Guidance Document to Part F also provides that information and advice should be provided to homeowners on how to operate and maintain their dwelling and minimise risk of inadequate ventilation.
Part L of the Building Regulations - Conservation of Fuel and Energy 2019 also limits the use of energy and related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions arising from the operation of buildings, while ensuring that occupants can achieve adequate levels of lighting and thermal comfort as far as is practicable. Part L 2019 introduced the Nearly Zero Energy Building performance requirement for all new dwellings.
Improving energy efficiency improves the health and comfort of those living in dwellings, ensuring that whilst we achieve more energy efficient buildings we also build healthy, sustainable and durable buildings suitable for the Irish Climate both today and into the future.
Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and focus on tenant safety. They specify requirements in relation to a range of matters such as ventilation, structural repair, fire safety, sanitary facilities, heating, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical installations.
These Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let. All landlords, including local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies, have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations.
My Department has published an information video and leaflet aimed at educating the general public on the importance of proper ventilation in the home. This has also been brought to the attention of social housing units in all 31 local authorities.
The video and leaflet are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/938bf-home-ventilation/#