Press Releases
O'Malley urges Roche to reverse delay on energy rating of new homes
Progressive Democrats press release
January 25, 2007
O'Malley urges Roche to reverse delay on energy rating of new homes
Deputy Fiona O'Malley has urged Environment Minister Dick Roche to reverse his decision to delay the introduction of energy ratings for new homes.
She was speaking in the context of the NDP allocation of €21 billion towards social and affordable housing.
"These homes will be occupied by the very people who can least afford high electricity bills. It is therefore vital that they are built to the highest energy-efficient standards," she said.
"Building public sector homes offers the Government the opportunity to lead by example. We know that higher energy efficiency standards will be required by law in the very near future, so we should be meeting these standards when we build these social and affordable houses under the NDP.
"Efficiency and conservation in energy use should be dictating decisions. Earlier this month the Minister's decision was a detour on the road to our Kyoto commitments. I'd prefer he took the direct route.
"He must insist that every new home is required to have an energy rating, otherwise the occupants will be burdened with extra costs."
Deputy O'Malley said she was calling on the Minister to ensure the relevant regulation, which is known as the Building Energy Rating (BER) system, was implemented without delay.
For further information please contact Mary Minihan in the Progressive Democrats press office on 01-6183615 or 087-1225140. Many thanks.