Ms Mary O'Brien:

The planning application process is separate from the building control application process. To build a building, one needs to apply for planning, but one also needs to comply with the building regulations and building control regulations. It is an automated process now and someone can make an application on the building control management system, which was introduced in 2020 and was a significant step forward in how we did things. As part of the application process, we analyse the plans and reports and determine compliance with building regulations.

Mr. Keeley referred to high-rise and complex buildings. We are speaking to planners at an early stage of a development's design process – before they get planning permission – so that, when they come to the fire certificate process, which is late in the design cycle, they will know that we will be looking for sprinklers in certain types of building.