Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005
481 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, as a result of the energy performance building directive, article 10, it is envisaged that all new buildings will require an energy certificate by 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18142/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings, Directive 2001/91/EC, will be legally transposed by 4 January 2006, as required under Article 15(1) of the directive. However, Article 15(2) of the directive provides for a longer period, up to 4 January 2009, for the practical implementation of more complex provisions regarding mandatory energy performance rating or labelling of newly constructed buildings and existing buildings when existing buildings are sold or let; the improvement of the energy efficiency of boilers; and the mandatory inspection of air conditioning systems. The longer implementation period is needed to allow qualified or accredited experts for certification and inspection work to be trained, as required by article 10.
The draft action plan for the implementation of the directive in Ireland was published on 27 April 2005 by Sustainable Energy Ireland, on behalf of an interdepartmental working group comprising senior officials from the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and Sustainable Energy Ireland. A copy of the draft action plan is available in the Oireachtas Library. The draft plan provides for the phased implementation of building energy rating certification between 2007 and 2009.
I issued a press statement welcoming the publication of the draft action plan and pointing out that the public have three months, ending on 29 July 2005, to submit comments on the draft to Sustainable Energy Ireland. I expressed the hope that this opportunity will be availed of by a wide cross section of the public, including people involved in the construction industry and the auctioneering and legal professions. The definitive implementation plan will be drawn up following careful consideration of all the submissions received during the consultation process.
