Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proliferation of standard form restrictions that prohibit apartment residents, whether owners or tenants, from hanging their washing out to dry on their apartment balconies; his further 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; his 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. [16218/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The house rules pertaining to existing apartments are a matter for the Management Company in each complex. The owner of each apartment is a member of the Management Company and has the opportunity to propose changes in any rules that currently exist.

Reducing excessive and unnecessary electricity consumption is a key part of our energy efficiency policy and the national energy efficiency campaign – the Power of One – has promoted both energy efficiency awareness and behavioural change since 2006.

I am informed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) that the use of tumble driers increased by 183% in the period 1987-2004/5. Wet appliances such as washing machines and tumble driers now account for 9% of all domestic electricity we use and I would therefore be supportive of any measures introduced by Management Companies that allow residents to reduce energy use and lower domestic energy bills. SEI reports that the tumble-dryer is likely the most energy intensive appliance in the average Irish home and for that reason it would always advocate that people should avoid using the tumble-dryer and to dry clothes out of doors whenever possible. This advice is conveyed in a number of places, for example the publication "Your Guide to Electricity in the Home", which is reproduced on the SEI website.

It is important to note too that the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2007 issued guidelines for planning authorities aimed at promoting sustainable urban housing, by ensuring that the design and layout of new apartments provide satisfactory accommodation for a variety of household types and sizes – including families with children - over the medium to long term. The guidelines include recommendations that Communal facilities for drying clothes be provided in well-ventilated areas in some larger schemes and where this is not done, consideration should be given to the provision of drying facilities within each unit, such as screened balconies.