Written answers

Tuesday, 27 February 2007

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

EU Directives

9:00 pm

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the entrance into force of the European building performance directive, he will provide grants to insulate homes ten years and older; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7480/07]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's housing stock is comparatively the newest and fastest growing in Europe. 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 include attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation and energy advice.

The Government in the Statement on Housing Policy Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities (February 2007), places particular emphasis on the importance of rejuvenating existing social housing and this is supported by an investment of close to €2 billion under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013.

As part of this rejuvenation, 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.

In addition, my 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 homes. 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 and a Central Heating Programme, all administered by local authorities, and the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly which is administered by the Health Services Executive.

The Essential Repairs Grant and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Grant Scheme has been reviewed recently and will be replaced by the Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People, to be administered by local authorities, during 2007.

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