Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
74. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends legislating for higher minimum BERs as part of minimum rental accommodation standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15689/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed under Housing for All to developing a roadmap to implement minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) standards, where feasible, for the private rental sector. This action is aimed at both improving the quality of housing stock available to rent and contributing to meeting our overall national climate targets in relation to emissions reduction. It will increase energy efficiency, help to alleviate fuel poverty, help to protect tenants' health and improve comfort levels in rental homes.
Work in this area, which will support the objectives set down in the Government’s Climate Action Plan, is ongoing. It will be underpinned in the first instance by detailed research currently being undertaken under the joint research programme my Department operates with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The primary focus of this research is an examination of typical energy-upgrade investment requirements, alongside an analysis of the financial capacity of landlords to invest in energy efficiency measures, including the split-incentive aspect. I expect this research to be completed later this year, subject to governance and peer review.
The results of the ESRI analysis will inform the Government’s next steps in this area. The appropriate balance will need to be struck improving the energy efficiency of the rental stock and the potential impact any intervention may have on the rental market, particularly around availability of accommodation. Following the completion of the ESRI analysis my Department will progress proposals to introduce the implementation of minimum BER ratings in the private rented sector in line with the target set down in Housing for All.
