Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 395: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the building control regulations will be revised to ensure the strict regulation of third party contractors and inspections of domestic waste water treatment systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30630/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Earlier in 2012 I released, for public consultation, proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations which will provide for mandatory certification of compliance with the requirement of the Building Regulations and for the submission of drawings demonstrating how the building concerned has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations, including Part H (Drainage and Wastewater Disposal). The public consultation period has now concluded and my Department is currently reviewing the submissions received with a view to having a definitive set of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations agreed and signed into law in the coming months.

Mandatory certification and the submission of drawings are key reforms which I believe will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to a further strengthening of the regulatory regime.

The design and installation of wastewater treatment systems for single houses is addressed in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Code of Practice in respect of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (2009). Part H – Drainage and Wastewater Disposal - of the Building Regulations has recently been amended to reflect relevant parts of the EPA's Code of Practice. The accompanying Technical Guidance Document (TGD H 2010) further stipulates that the design and commissioning of wastewater treatment systems should be carried out and/or supervised by a suitably qualified person and that the owner of the building should be provided with sufficient, clear and comprehensive information on any continuing maintenance required to facilitate the effective operation of the system in order to protect human health and the environment.