The government has announced a new €45 million programme of investment in the retrofifit of local authority housing. This includes an initial investment of €35m for the retrofitting of 1,293 homes, plus an additional €10m to be allocated to local authorities who demonstrate an ability to complete additional works this year.

A cross sectoral group of organisations from government, local authorities, industry and charities met on 25 May to develop an ambitious strategy to improve the quality of the Irish existing housing stock 

West Midlands-based independent consulting engineers Encraft have organised a passive house conference in Birmingham on 30 May 2014. The event, featuring some of the leading speakers and projects in this emerging area, is supported by Climate KIC, Passivhaus Trust and Passive House Plus magazine.

A new public park on the northside of Dublin combines wind power and sustainable water management with environmentally sound materials and strategies to boost biodiversity, making it a standard-bearer in urban design. Lenny Antonelli visited the site

Environment minister John Gormley yesterday announced details of the government's latest planning and development bill. The Bill introduces a number of changes to the planning code that "aim to support sustainable development".

Local authorities have been given the power to direct building owners and occupiers to prevent water wastage under a new order signed by environment minister John Gormley. The order brings into affect section 56 of the Water Services Act of 2007, which deals with water conservation.

In many ways local authorities have become some of Ireland’s most progressive developers. Jason Walsh visited Ardee, County Louth to look at the latest in a long line of new civic offices that are redefining local government in sustainable terms.

 

If you’re applying for planning permission to build in Cappagh, North Ballymun or Northwest Balbriggan, 30% of your heating must come from renewable energy, and your heating must be less than 50Kwh/m2 per annum—roughly twice the standard of most new homes.

Landowners & Cement Producers Gain, Homebuyers & Taxpayers Suffer. By Richard Douthwaite