Results 1-20 of 1,034,566 for in 'Dáil debates' OR in 'Committee meetings' (speaker:Tom Kitt OR speaker:Brian Leddin OR speaker:Peter Burke OR speaker:Ivana Bacik OR speaker:Martin Kenny)

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: The purpose of this morning's meeting is to have a discussion on the circular economy as it relates to the construction sector. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following witnesses. From the Irish Green Building Council, Ms Marion Jammet, head of policy and advocacy, and Mr. Giovanni Impoco, circularity lead. From the Construction Industry Federation, Mr. Hubert Fitzpatrick,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: I thank Ms Jammet for her opening statement and go now to Mr. Fitzpatrick for his statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: I thank Mr. Fitzpatrick for his opening statement and call Deputy Kenny.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Martin Kenny: I thank the witnesses for their contributions and opening statements. We are in the midst of a housing crisis. In that context, one thing that strikes me is the fact that everyone says the solution is to build more houses. That is pretty obvious. The difficulty we have with labour restrictions and everything else in this regard is a major problem. The tendency seems to be, and it is a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Martin Kenny: Are there any issues around that? I am thinking of the problems we have with mica, pyrite, etc., in the context of adhering to regulations as we move forward to come up with better materials that may have unintended consequences in the future.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Martin Kenny: I have just one final point. The cost of all this is the first thing people think of, and it has been the experience in the past that when you go to a greener type of building, the costs go much higher compared with the costs of traditional materials that have been used. We have an argument going on at the moment about the cost of affordable housing in Dublin. The cost of affordable...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: Thank you for that. Deputy Bruton, do you want to go next?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: I thank Deputy Bruton. I wish to add to Mr. Fitzpatrick's point about the renovation of derelict properties and vacant properties in town centres. From a recent experience in County Limerick, I am aware that an incredible number of properties have been renovated over the past year or two. We are seeing new life being breathed into our towns and villages. That is very welcome, and long may...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: We might pass that on to the new Minister for Finance. That would be an easy one for him.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: In fairness to our guests, they are here in a voluntary capacity. They have engaged in good faith in the session. There has been good engagement with them.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: I am happy to hear the response, but to be fair to the guests, they have engaged positively and in good faith with us today, which is to be welcomed. Did Mr. Stapleton wish to comment?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: I am sure the Senator has more than two questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: Okay, go ahead.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: It is not quite on the circularity piece.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: I am sorry Senator, but you have already had about 20 minutes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: We will go back for a second round but I want to come in myself now, if I may. The Opera project in Limerick has been referenced by the Irish Green Building Council quite a few times. I am familiar with it as a representative for Limerick city. What is happening there is really good in terms of circularity, the use of demolition waste and making sure it is repurposed. It is quite exciting...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: My next question is perhaps not one for CIF. The IGBC might be better placed to answer it, or maybe the CCMA, representatives of the local authorities or An Bord Pleanála itself. Due to the element of subjectivity, surely very qualified people are required to make these judgments. Otherwise the door is open for judicial challenge and so on. Ms Jammet may want to come in.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: Which targets?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: On the methodology, we are looking at developing our own. We see now with the European performance of buildings directive we are looking at a consistent methodology across Europe for energy labelling. We are moving away from the BER we have had for the last ten or 12 years, I think, or at least the bands for the BERs across member states are going to be consistent now, which they have not...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Circular Economy as it relates to Construction Sector: Discussion (2 Jul 2024)

Brian Leddin: Okay. I thank Ms Jammet for that. Does anyone else want to come in or are there any more questions from members?