Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when regulations will be introduced to deal with noise and acoustics in apartment blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23658/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Part E (Sound) of the Building Regulations, which is operative since 1992, sets out the legal requirements in relation to sound insulation in buildings. The related Technical Guidance Document E (TGD-E) provides guidance on how to comply with Part E. A review of Part E and TGD-E is currently under way in my Department in consultation with the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB).

I expect to publish a draft revised Part E and TGD-E for a three-month public consultation process later this year. It will be open to all interested parties to make submissions to my Department on the draft proposals during that time. A revised Part E and TGD-E will then be finalised by my Department following detailed consideration of all submissions received.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) relating to building and fire regulations; if he will outline the response to the matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23659/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A copy of the correspondence referred to was received in my Department on 21 May 2010.

Under the Building Control Act 1990, responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the building regulations is the responsibility of the 37 local building control authorities. The authorities are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, where considered necessary.

My Department understands from Westmeath County Council that enforcement action in regard to the development has been ongoing since 2006 on issues of non-compliance with the Building Regulations and that the matter is currently before the Courts.