EU Energy Directive

Press Releases: 2005 Energy Directive

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Dún Laoghaire, Environment and Justice Press Releases

6 April 2005

Green Party says Government allows Construction of Second-Rate Homes rather than Meeting EU Insulation Targets

The Green Party has called for an Energy Labelling Scheme to be introduced immediately for New Homes.

It has accused the Government of dragging its heels in complying with a new European Directives on Construction. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive comes into effect from the beginning of next year.

The Party’s Environment Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated:

“This Directive states that all dwellings for sale or rent will have to carry an energy label. This is similar to the labelling system that we’re already familiar with on goods such as fridges and washing systems.

“At today’s meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment Mr. Gerry McGaughey of Century Homes stated: ‘…the Government is protecting vested interests in the construction sector rather than reducing Ireland’s CO2 emissions.’ The Green Party is now calling on the Minister for the Environment to take action to improve the energy performance of the Construction Sector. These allegations are a damming indictment of Government Policy.

“There is a real danger that consumers will lose out unless the Government is prepared to introduce the scheme from January 1^st next year. House purchasers may find out that their new home only meets a ‘C’ energy rating, as the Government is still allowing homes to be built to the 1997 Building Regulations. People deserve to know whether their home carries an A, B C or a D rating

“I am calling on the Minister for the Environment to state clearly and unequivocally that he will implement the Directive from the start of next year rather than dragging his heels on the issue.

“This will help us meet our targets under the Kyoto Protocol, and will result in warmer, better insulated homes. It is in the best interests of consumers. Fridges have energy labels, why shouldn’t houses.

ENDS

Ciarán Cuffe is a TD for the Dún Laoghaire Dáil Constituency. Ciarán can be contacted at Dáil Éireann, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 or 96 Patrick Street, Dún Laoghaire Tel. 284 6060 or 618 3082, Fax 618 4341, Email Ciaran CiaranCuffe.com