Building Regulations

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Questions (8)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

8. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm that the concept of 'sufficiency', defined when applied to the building sector as meaning above all making the best use of existing buildings to create a built environment that is attractive, affordable, and aligned with the actual space and accessibility needs of occupants, will be included in the National Building Renovation Plan (NBRP); how his Department plans to integrate the concept of 'sufficiency ' into the NBRP, which Ireland is yet to submit to the EU Commission, given it is recommended to be included in Annex II of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as well as in the template published by the Commission in June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12932/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

My Department is developing Ireland’s National Building Renovation Plan which will outline our approach to ensuring the renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings, both public and private, into a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, with the objective of transforming existing buildings into zero-emission buildings.

In line with Annex II of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Ireland’s National Building Renovation Plan will include all detail on all indicators listed as mandatory in Annex II, which includes details on Government policies on the district and neighbourhood approaches and integrated renovation programmes at district level, which may be considered in the context of sufficiency alongside other criteria.

Existing supports to building owners offered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland aimed at improving the energy performance of the Irish building stock focus heavily on improving the efficiency and comfort of existing buildings whilst simultaneously reducing their operational greenhouse gas emissions, already making the best use of existing buildings to align them with a decarbonised future.