Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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529. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if plans are in place to change the planning regulations to make rainwater harvesting a mandatory requirement in new buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39177/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 280 of 12 November 2013 which sets out the arrangements currently in place to encourage the use of rainwater harvesting and to promote water efficiency in the built environment.

I have no plans to obligate building owners to install rainwater harvesting systems in new buildings. However, by referencing such systems in the building code, as has been done, my Department enables such systems, where used, to be designed and constructed in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with the best available national and international guidance.