Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 580: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants which are currently available for the insulation of older houses; the action he intends to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32810/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland's housing stock is comparatively the newest and fastest growing in Europe. The Building Regulations have represented an important policy instrument for ensuring satisfactory standards of thermal insulation and other energy performance features in new housing stock. Part L Building Regulation insulation standards for new dwellings have been in operation since 1 June 1992 with revisions taking place in 1998 and again in 2003.

The Irish National Survey of Housing Quality (2001-2002), indicated that 82% of the housing stock had roof insulation by 2001/2002. The survey also suggested that there was evidence of a high level of energy-related home improvements in recent years.

While my Department does not operate a grants scheme specifically for thermal upgrading of houses, Sustainable Energy Ireland, under the auspices of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, operates a Low Income Housing Programme. This was set up to help establish and implement a national plan of action to address the problem of fuel poverty. Core delivery is through the Warmer Homes Scheme. This programme aims to improve the energy efficiency and comfort conditions of homes occupied by low-income households and at establishing the systems and growing the capacity in Ireland to install such measures which includes attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation and energy advice.

The Government in its Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities (December 2005), placed particular emphasis on the importance of rejuvenating existing social housing and has committed significant investment over the coming years to realise this aim.

My own Department operates a number of targeted options to assist vulnerable groups, such as lower income households and elderly persons, to secure necessary improvement works to their houses. These include the local authority house improvement loan scheme, the disabled persons and essential repairs grant scheme, the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing scheme, a Central Heating Programme and the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly. The Central Heating programme promotes the provision of central heating facilities and related energy improvement and smoke detection measures in eligible dwellings. We have committed to ensuring that the programme is rolled out to all local authority housing by 2008.

In addition, my Department financially assists local authorities in upgrading, renovating and re-developing their housing stock through the Remedial Works scheme and funding for regeneration and redevelopment projects. Works under the Remedial Works Scheme must comply with Building Regulations and where an extensive programme of refurbishment is carried out, measures are taken to improve thermal insulation in accordance with Building Regulations.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 581: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funds will be allocated to North Tipperary County Council to carry out work in an estate (details supplied) in County Tipperary, specifically for the building of front and dividing walls for residents of the estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32842/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department has previously issued approval to North Tipperary County Council for the use of its surplus internal receipts for the construction of boundary walls in Marion Estate, Newport. It is understood that the Council has engaged the National Building Agency to examine and re-assess refurbishment works in the estate; the provision of boundary walls will be examined as part of this exercise.