New houses must have an A2 energy rating, instead of the current A3 standard
The Department of Housing claims new building energy regulations will save homeowners hundreds of euro in heating bills every year.
From November, new houses must have an A2 energy rating, instead of the current A3 standard, while homes which undergo major renovations or extensions will have to be brought up to a B2 rating.
However, families building one-off houses can opt-out of the rules.
Changes to regulations will mean a 1.9 per cent increase in the cost of building a house, which would increase the bill of a €400,000 home by nearly €8,000.
But Junior Housing Minister and Meath West TD Damien English says homeowners will benefit in the long run:
The construction sector is being told to be prepared for new building regulations on energy efficiency.
From November 1st, anyone carrying out renovations or extensions must ensure the dwelling meets a higher energy rating of B2.
Meanwhile, all new homes will be "nearly zero energy buildings" and have a typical Building Energy Rating of A2.
Junior Housing Minister Damien English says these new rules will help lower people's energy bills and reduce the risk of fuel poverty.
James Benson from the Construction Industry Federation says homeowners could be facing additional bills of thousands of euro:
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