Vol. 575 No. 4
51 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the energy performance of new homes; and the steps he is taking to review compliance with Part L of the revised building regulations, in view of Ireland's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. [28482/03]
In accordance with my Department's commitments under the Government's national climate change strategy, published in November 2000, Part L of the Building Regulations – Conservation of Fuel and Energy and the related Technical Guidance Document L were amended in June 2002. The amended Part L, which sets significantly higher insulation levels and thermal performance standards for new dwellings, came into effect on 1 January 2003. The regulations also apply to the replacement of external doors, windows and rooflights in existing dwellings from 1 July last.
The new Part L is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 300,000 tonnes per annum by 2012. This is the end of the period for delivery of our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. Responsibility for compliance with Part L of the regulations is the responsibility of the home owner, designer and builder. Responsibility for enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the local building control authorities.
The EU directive on energy performance of buildings, adopted in December 2002, provides for, inter alia, a mandatory energy performance certification of new buildings, including dwellings, being sold or let. My Department is co-ordinating the development of detailed proposals with other relevant Government Departments and agencies on implementation of these directive requirements. I propose to give effect to these requirements by the EU deadline of 4 January 2006, by way of a proposed building control Bill.
