John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Since 1 March last I have commenced new enforcement powers under the Building Control Act 2007. In summary, these powers will significantly increase the maximum penalties for breaches of the national building regulations. For example, the old fine of IR£10,000 has been increased to €50,000 on conviction or indictment. We will introduce the option for authorities to bring summary prosecution for all building code offences in the District Court, thus simplifying the prosecution process. We will provide a new income stream for the building control authorities by retaining any fines income for their activities and recouping expenses incurred in the prosecution process. We will widen the right of the building control authorities to seek an order from the High Court or the Circuit Court to stop work on buildings where there is non-compliance with the building code.

If the Deputy is asking what has been done about the use of this contaminated material, the local building control authority for the area in question, Fingal County Council, contacted the builders and the quarry concerned directly to ascertain the full extent of the problem and to ensure that there is no further use of this material for house building. That is the position. It is clear from that contact that we are acting on this matter. It is an important issue and the Department is doing everything it can to ensure that this will never happen again.

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