NI ‘must adopt green house plan’

Irish government plans for greener housing should be introduced north of the border as well, Green Party assembly member Brian Wilson has said. New homes must contain an element of renewable energy such as solar power or biomass heating under plans unveiled by Green Party Irish government ministers. Construction industry officials claimed the proposals would add at least 15,000 euros to the price of a new home. But Mr Wilson insisted such measures would not significantly increase costs. House builders at the moment are making a fortune – because of the demand for housing, they can charge what they like,” he said. “The actual cost of putting in solar panels or proper insulation is minimal compared to the overall price of the house.” He said the assembly should implement measures similar to those unveiled by his Green Party colleagues in the Irish Republic, Environment Minister John Gormley and Energy Minister Eamon Ryan.