Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the quality of all modern apartment blocks or affordable housing meets the desired quality standards and building regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42903/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The national Building Regulations operative from 1 June 1992 apply to all new buildings and existing buildings which have been the subject of a material alteration. Responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the builder and the owner of a building, while enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of the local building control authorities. Accordingly, all affordable housing developments and apartments must meet the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations. In addition, my Department has issued guidance documentation on Part V, which recommends that affordable housing acquired under Part V should also adhere to my Department's Design Guidelines for Social Housing.

In relation to apartments, my Department commissioned research on apartments size and space standards earlier this year. The outcome of this research has informed the preparation of Draft Guidelines on Apartments Size and Design Standards which will very shortly be issued for public consultation. The new Guidelines will replace the existing guidance contained in the 1995 Guidelines on Residential Developments in Urban Renewal Designated Tax Incentive Areas.

The new Guidelines will also form part of a suite of guidance documents which will replace the existing 1999 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density. The suite will include guidelines on new residential developments and a new best practice handbook on urban design and housing layouts, which will illustrate how the policies set out in the planning guidelines might be implemented, with examples drawn from current practice.

The guidance will take account of experiences to date with the 1995 and 1999 guidelines, the rapidly changing demographics and settlement patterns, the need for more compact urban development (particularly within the Greater Dublin Area) and the on-going policy of delivering sustainable communities and enhancing quality of life.