Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

In certain cities, there are clearly houses from before 1960, including Georgian houses, that will find it difficult to reach the standards. We need a clear definition from the Department about what standards they have to reach and how they could go about reaching them. The local authorities and An Taisce only allow certain works to be carried out on a house in a conservation zone or Georgian quarter. There is a need for a clear guideline. I accept what the Senators are trying to achieve, in getting a very high standard of energy efficiency. We also have to consider the types of properties that we are trying to regulate in this area. I do not think the Minister can do it today but it would be helpful to have clear guidelines from the Department with regard to Georgian pre-1963 houses on how they can achieve the standards. We all want them to get there. The people who currently own them do not have a clear pathway to achieve those standards. The Department and local authority could assist in this area.