Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
652. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the supports he plans to launch to assist households with additional costs arising from new building regulations on BER ratings for extensions and renovations in homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43550/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently signed amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations give effect to Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and Major Renovation to cost optimal level where it is technically, functionally and economically feasible. The cost optimal energy performance level for a typical dwelling is equivalent to a B2 BER.
While there are no specific grants available for compliance with building regulations, homeowners who are undertaking certain retrofitting works may be eligible for grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. A range of grants are available to householders to suit their circumstances and the scale of work they wish to undertake.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme provides 100% grants to those on lower incomes who are in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These works include attic and wall insulation & ventilation, draught proofing, energy efficient lighting and window replacements and/or heating upgrades, in high priority circumstances.
Partial grants are available for those who can invest some of their own funds. The measures covered by this scheme, such as cavity wall, attic insulation, solar thermal, heating controls and a BER certificate, have been progressively expanded over the last year to include deeper measures like external wall insulation and heat pumps. In 2019 €21m has been allocated to this scheme.
The Climate Action Plan commits to reviewing and redesigning the existing grant schemes to ensure alignment with Government climate objectives and value for money. A taskforce chaired by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is overseeing this.
In addition my Department is currently funding local authorities in their undertaking of an ambitious programme of insulation retrofitting of the least energy efficient social homes.
Building an extension will not automatically trigger additional works on an existing dwelling. Major renovation requirements are only triggered where more than 25% of the surface envelope of the existing dwelling undergoes renovation.
These regulations implement actions of the All of Government Action Plan. The main benefits of the new regulations are: reduced energy bills and alleviation of fuel poverty: the new regulations are expected to result in reduced fuel bills for new or majorly renovated dwellings compared to bills for existing dwellings; health improvements: initial studies on NZEB show that Nearly Zero Energy Dwellings are alleviating respiratory illnesses and occupants are reporting fewer visits to the doctor.
