Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 189: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make Áras an Uachtaráin more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32339/07]

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

In 2007 the Commissioners of Public Works installed a lift in Áras an Uachtaráin to allow people with varying degrees of ability to access all floors in the main house and East Wing. These works were carried out on foot of a Universal Access Audit of Áras an Uachtaráin undertaken by OPW. The Commissioners of Public Works have also implemented an Energy Conservation Programme in Áras an Uachtaráin that included the installation of a Building Management System to optimise start/stop programmes and temperature controls resulting in lower energy costs. A replacement programme of existing light sources within the building to reduce energy requirements has been completed. Our Historic Properties Division has undertaken various surveys of habitat, wildlife, geology and soils. Tractors in use at Áras an Uachtaráin are now biofuel compatible. Horticultural practices there are compatible with good environmental management. A Sustainability Report has been completed and many of the suggested actions contained therein that are environmentally friendly will be implemented in 2008.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 190: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make Leinster House more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32340/07]

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

As part of the overall energy conservation strategy in the Leinster House complex, the Office of Public Works installed extensive sub-metering on both electrical and heating supplies which serve all the various buildings on the campus in 2007. Each of the meters is connected to the OPW web based energy monitoring system. The collected data will form the basis of a major energy awareness campaign to be launched early in 2008.