Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The reason I introduced the new regulations is because everything was not well. I acknowledge the proactive approach of the Association of Consulting Engineers in highlighting this matter. It is entirely appropriate that all professional bodies involve themselves in disseminating such relevant information among their membership.

Under the construction products regulation, manufacturers are required to provide robust and reliable information in a consistent way for construction products which are covered by harmonised European standards or European technical assessments. Since 1 July 2013, manufacturers are required, when placing a construction product on the market, to make a declaration of performance and affix the CE mark to each product. The relevant harmonised European standard for concrete blocks is IS EN 771-3:2011 Specification for masonry units - Part 3: Aggregate concrete masonry units (dense and lightweight aggregates).

Harmonised European product standards provide the methods and criteria for assessing the performance of construction products in relation to their essential characteristics. The harmonised standard includes the technical data necessary for the implementation of a system of assessment and verification of constancy of performance including third party oversight. The National Standards Authority of Ireland has also produced additional guidance to some harmonised European product standards in the form of national annexes or standard recommendations which set out appropriate minimum performance levels for specific intended uses of certain products in Ireland.

The relevant building control authorities are taking appropriate actions under applicable legislation to deal with this issue and the Department, in conjunction with the building control authorities, will continue to monitor the situation. Testing has been carried out in a number of affected developments which has confirmed the presence of deleterious material in the concrete blocks, including pyrite and sulphate.

My Department understands that in each case, the costs of the resolution are being pursued, in the first instance, with the contractors and suppliers. The actions taken thus far by the relevant parties involved suggest the regulatory system is functioning effectively and that an appropriate means of redress is being pursued through those who were responsible for this building failure.

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