The amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations 2002 and the related Technical Guidance Document L (2002 Edition) came into effect on 1 January 2003 and set significantly higher insulation levels and thermal performance standards for new dwellings. Part L was amended, with effect from 1 July 2006, to provide for an overall limit on carbon dioxide emissions from dwellings, in accordance with requirements of the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC).
My Department has initiated a further review of Part L as part of Ireland's Climate Change Strategy. It is intended that the upgraded standards will come into effect in 2008 and will improve energy efficiency of new Irish homes by 40% relative to current standards.