Written answers

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Building Regulations Amendments

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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539. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014, SI 9, will be revoked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46099/14]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I have no plans to revoke the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Over 4,700 new construction projects have been notified to Building Control Authorities across the local government sector since these regulations came into operation on 1 March 2014. Evidence to date suggests that the Construction industry is responding well to the new regulatory framework. Oversight of activity by industry and by local building control authorities has improved immeasurably and authorities have ready access to detailed data on projects via the online Building Control Management System. The online system streamlines building control administration and enables authorities to identify risks and track progress.

A Framework for Building Control Authorities was adopted by the City and County Management Association on 17 July 2014 – these common protocols add clarity, efficiency and consistency to building control activities across the local government sector.

I am satisfied that this key reform of the regulatory framework represents a reasonable and appropriate response to the many building failures that occurred in the past decade and will lead to improved quality within the construction sector. My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities, industry stakeholders and members of the public generally to ensure that all concerned understand their obligations under the regulations and how they can comply with these in practice. A review of the first year of operation of the regulations will be undertaken by my Department in conjunction with local authorities and industry stakeholders. The review will commence early in the New Year and will inform future regulation in this critical area.

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