Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

116. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered the ban of polystyrene used for insulation as it is banned under the single use plastics Directive, considering its harmful effects to the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42495/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The EU Single Use Plastics Directive, which came into effect in Ireland in July 2021, banned a range of single use plastic products, where more sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable. This ban includes single use beverage cups and food containers made from expanded polystyrene.

Polystyrene used for insulation is not covered by the Single Use Plastics Directive nor are there any plans to bring this within the scope of the Directive.

Insulation materials must be high performance and durable over a long period. The materials used must be manufactured to a relevant Irish, British or European Standard and be certified by the NSAI Agrément or equivalent.

Contractors installing insulation under any scheme supported by a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant must carry out the works using approved materials and in line with the SEAI’s 'Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications' as well as best practice and technical guidance documents, including:

- S.R. 54:2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings;

- Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents (Latest updates of Part L, Part B, Part C, Part D, Part F, Part J, Part M in particular);- The System Supplier/ Product Manufacturer Guidelines;- National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément certificates; and- Irish, British or European Standards Guides.