Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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The Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014 set out a clear statutory framework for construction activity based on legal standards as set out in the Building Regulations and detailed Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) outlining how compliance with the regulations can be achieved in practice. The Building Regulations set out the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings, including dwellings. Works carried out in accordance with the guidance in the TGDs is considered, prima facie, evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations. However, an approach other than that set out in the guidance is not precluded, provided compliance with the relevant requirements can be demonstrated. The Building Regulations apply to all buildings irrespective of whether they are in private or public ownership or are privately or publicly rented.

Part B of the Building Regulations and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document B – Fire Safety(2006) sets out the fire safety requirements to be observed in the design and construction of certain buildings including terraced dwellings. In particular, the regulations require that a building shall be so designed and constructed that there are adequate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building which is capable of being safely and effectively used. Furthermore, detailed guidance is provided in TGD B in respect of both the structure and the internal linings for the purpose of inhibiting the spread of fire within a building.

More specifically, the regulations require that a wall common to two or more buildings shall be so designed and constructed that it offers adequate resistance to the spread of fire between those buildings. In this regard, each house in a terrace is to be treated as a separate building. Part B also requires that the external walls and roof of a building shall be so designed and constructed that they afford adequate resistance to the spread of fire to and from neighbouring buildings.

In the case of timber-frame dwellings specifically, the prefabricated structure should be designed and constructed in accordance with I.S. 440:2009/A1:2014 Timber frame construction, dwellings and other buildingswhich requires the floors and wall linings to be designed and detailed to provide the required level of fire resistance in accordance with Part B of the Building Regulations. Detailed requirements for the fire-stopping of separating walls and for any voids / cavities therein are also specified in the standard.

Under the Building Control Acts, it is the responsibility of the owners and developers of buildings (including local authorities) to ensure compliance with all relevant parts of the Building Regulations, including fire safety requirements.