Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether purported aesthetic or property value considerations could or should outweigh the importance of promoting energy conservation and the avoidance of excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption by drying machines and the like; if he plans to have consultations with representatives of landlords and property managers regarding abolishing the rule; if that proves ineffective, if he proposes appropriate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18193/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Colleague John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible for setting guidelines for planning authorities concerning design standards for new apartments, and for the regulation of apartment block management companies.

My colleague Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for property law, including matters in relation to leases. I would be supportive of any measures which help people cut back on fossil fuel consumption for drying purposes.

Reducing excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption is a critical part of energy efficiency strategies. Where the use of household energy appliances is unavoidable the strong message to consumers is to purchase the most energy efficient models. The energy and emissions saved over the lifetime of the appliance more than justifies any additional purchase cost. My Department's Power of One, the National Energy Efficiency campaign has been promoting this message since its launch in 2006. The campaign will shortly be launching new awareness advertisements in conjunction with in store promotions concerning energy efficient appliances.