Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2019
519. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if local authorities will be required to bring new housing stock which they acquire from now on up to BER B2 standard; if so, if his Department will repay to local authorities the cost of necessary works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41004/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll local authorities are being funded to significantly increase their delivery of social housing as part of Rebuilding Ireland, including through the acquisition of new and previously owned house and apartments. Properties acquired by local authorities for social housing purposes, must comply with building regulations. In that regard, Part L of the Building Regulations will require from 1 November 2019, that where more than 25% of the surface of the building envelope (walls, floor and roof) is renovated, the whole dwelling should achieve the cost optimal level of B2 BER or alternatively, cost optimal equivalent measures should be applied. These requirements will apply to acquisitions of second hand housing for social housing purposes.
In addition, my Department is already funding an Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for local authorities to improve the insulation standards and overall energy performance of their existing social housing stock. This investment is benefitting those at risk of fuel poverty, as well as contributing to Ireland’s carbon emissions reduction and energy reduction targets. Support under this Programme is continuing in 2019, with €25 million available in grant aid to the local authorities.
