Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1511: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if construction companies are currently complying with the requirements of the building energy rating, due to come into effect in January 2007. [29267/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC of 16 December 2002), building energy rating (BER) will be required for newly constructed buildings and for existing buildings when sold or let. The BER certification will become mandatory, on a phased basis, over the period 2007-2009, starting with certificates for new dwellings from 1 January 2007. The operative date of 1 January 2007 is subject to a transitional exemption period for new dwellings for which planning permission had been applied for before 1 July 2006, provided substantial work is completed by 30 June 2008. The amended Part L of the Building Regulations 2005-(Conservation of Fuel and Energy) and the related Technical Guidance Document L which is operative from 1 July 2006, introduced a building energy performance methodology for new dwellings, as required by the Directive. The methodology for demonstrating compliance with Part L is known as the Dwellings Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), which was published by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in June 2006. DEAP will also be the method used to produce Building Energy Ratings for new dwellings.

I understand that SEI has held and participated in 91 information sharing seminars on the implementation of the Directive with interested parties throughout the country, including the Homebond Right on Site Lecture series, which was attended by 2800 builders. SEI will continue to engage with interested parties during the implementation period, including representative bodies in the construction industry. Details of Consultation, Promotion and Information Campaign are set out in Section 6 of the Action Plan. I also understand from SEI that the training programme for BER Assessors is planned to commence in October 2006.