Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the minimum building standards in apartments regarding heat and noise insulation are satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22266/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The amended part L — conservation of fuel and energy — of the building regulations 2002 and the related technical guidance document E, 2002 edition, came into effect on 1 January 2003 and set significantly higher insulation levels and thermal performance standards for new dwellings, including apartments, subject to the transitional exemption of new dwellings for which planning permission had been applied for on or before 31 December 2002. This transitional provision will expire on 31 December 2005. In accordance with Article 4 of the EU energy performance of buildings directive, 2002/91/EC, part L standards will again be reviewed by 2008.

Part E — sound — of the building regulations 1997 and the related technical guidance document E, 1997 edition, sets out requirements for sound insulation in buildings. HomeBond is carrying out a major study of sound insulation standards in Ireland and selected other EU member states, which is due to be completed by the end of this year. I intend to initiate a review of part E and the related technical guidance document E in 2006, in the light of the results of the HomeBond study and in consultation with the building regulations advisory body, BRAB.

The Building Control Act 1990 assigns responsibility for complying with the building regulations, including parts L and E, primarily to the owners, designers and builders of the buildings involved. Under the 1990 Act, local building control authorities are empowered to monitor buildings for compliance with the building regulations and to take enforcement action where necessary.