Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This goes back to a point raised by Deputy Ó Broin as well. In the past few weeks, the recast of the energy performance building directive has taken place at EU level. This was not done by the Green Party; it is happening at a high level in the EU. Deputy Ó Broin is correct with regard to modern methods of construction and the changes to procurement policy that need to take place. This process is moving in the right direction. It will lead to better energy performance in buildings.

With regard to the issues around embodied carbon in buildings, I recall from my time on Kilkenny County Council trying to bring through policies on GGBS low-carbon cement and the logjam caused by those who were against that. This is all going to be good and the procurement will favour low carbon. It is recognised that the use of machinery, diesel and so on is needed in the construction of houses but reducing the embodied carbon in buildings is good. I pay tribute to outgoing Green Party MEP, Ciarán Cuffe, for the work he undertook over the last five years in that regard. He has done very important work.

In my constituency, 80 apartments have been approved in County Carlow using modern methods of construction and timber frame on a social housing programme. This is already moving out of the pilot into the mainstream.

I agree with Deputy Matthews on amendment No. 227. The Bill has been strengthened by the committee, particularly with regard to issues of climate and biodiversity, both on pre-legislative scrutiny stage and Committee Stage. Again, I thank the committee for the work it has done.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh spoke about amendment No. 228 and Gaeltacht language planning areas, the áiteanna pleanála teanga, and the status over and above. I reiterate the point that it is not appropriate at regional level to try to replicate what is going on in local plans.

The Deputy also raised points regarding the protection of built and archaeological heritage. There are cross-cutting elements there in terms of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 in relation to that.

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