Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce nationally applicable building guidelines in relation to annual heating requirements for domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16603/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce nationally applicable sustainable building guidelines in relation to minimum low energy performance standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16600/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 98 together.

Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the national Building Regulations prescribe minimum thermal performance and insulation standards for new buildings which are designed to, inter alia, minimize heating requirements. These standards have been progressively increased since they were first introduced in 1991.

Amended Part L Regulations made by me in December 2005 and applicable from 1 July 2006 introduce a requirement to limit annual CO2 emissions from dwellings. This is directly related to estimated annual energy use of space heating, water heating and lighting. It is planned that a similar requirement for other buildings will be introduced in 2008. The thermal performance and insulation standards for new dwellings are also due to be again reviewed by 2008.

Sustainable low energy performance standards for buildings are being promoted by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) through, for example, the successful "House of Tomorrow" research, development and demonstration programme. It is intended that appropriate design guidelines will follow from this programme.