Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 772: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will initiate a Commission of Investigation into all aspects of the planning and building of the North Fringe new urban district in Dublin North East in view of the fire safety concerns and housing construction deficiencies which have arisen for new households there since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14845/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Specific responsibility for the planning and delivery of the North Fringe development rests with the local authorities involved, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council.

The North Fringe Framework Development Plan, which was prepared by Dublin City Council in 2000, sets out the objectives for the area, the site context and the urban design framework. The plan emphasises the need for a quality bus service and the provision of community facilities, including schools, a library, sports facilities and public spaces, which will serve the anticipated 30,000 people who will ultimately live in the area.

Planning permissions in the North Fringe have been granted in line with the Framework Plan. While the overall roll-out and timing of these private developments is guided by the demand for housing and other market forces, it is clear that the provision of the community facilities mentioned, in tandem with the housing development, is seen as key in the development of the area. In this regard my Department understands that a North Fringe Cross-Authority/Agency Forum has been established to monitor progress in the North Fringe. Membership includes senior officials from the two Councils, representatives of local residents' groups and from statutory bodies such as the HSE, the Department of Education and Science, An Garda Síochána and public transport providers.

The national Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, including houses, extensions and material alterations and certain changes of use of existing buildings. The related Technical Guidance Documents provide technical guidance on how to comply with the Regulations.

Compliance with the Regulations is the responsibility of the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of the 37 local building control authorities who are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, where considered necessary.

The position regarding the use of pyrite in house construction has been set out in replies to previous Questions and most recently in the reply to the Adjournment Debate on 24 February 2010. The position in regard to fire safety concerns at an apartment complex was set out in the reply to the Adjournment Debate on 8 December 2009.