Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will be supporting the energy efficiency initiative taken by Fingal County Council by recommending that additional funding be allocated by the Department of Finance, in particular for the recent Castlelands local area plan in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/06]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of rising oil prices he will recommend that all local area plans call for construction energy efficiency standards in line with those adopted by Fingal County Council for Cappagh, Ballymun, Balbriggan north west, Balbriggan south east and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for Kilternan. [16647/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 65 together.

Minimum thermal performance and insulation standards for new buildings are prescribed by Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the national Building Regulations. These standards have been progressively increased since they were first introduced in 1991. The standards were last increased for new dwellings with effect from 1 January 2003 and for new non-domestic buildings with effect from 1 July 2006. The next review of standards for dwellings will take place by 2008.

I welcome any initiatives taken locally which enhance sustainable design in proposed developments and which are not in contravention of these standards. Where my Department receives proposals from local authorities, including Fingal County Council, for the construction of social and affordable housing schemes involving the provision of additional energy efficiency measures, such proposals will be considered on their merits from the point of view of efficacy and value for money/cost benefit.

I recently published for public consultation draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on development plans. The guidelines deal with the relationship between development plans and local area plans, on which more detailed guidance will be issued. The question of including advice on standards for the design of development and structures will be considered in that context.