Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On a technical issue, applicants must submit a commencement notice to the relevant local authority within two weeks. My concern is that we are dealing with existing structures. To return to the building control regulations, the guidance documents relate to new builds as opposed to the renovation of existing buildings, which are what we are discussing. Under the current process, an applicant submits a commencement notice and no inspection is done to ascertain whether the proposal meets requirements. Local authorities issue fire certificates and certification that a building meets disability requirements. There are no guidance documents in this area, which means 31 local authorities are making their own interpretations. I am concerned that the process involves the submission to the local authority of a simple commencement notice and there is no pre-approval that it is exempt development based on any plan submitted.