Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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1022. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2014 (SI No. 9); if the requirements for statutory certification created by SI9 can be eased in order that, in the case of new build, single dwellings certification is made advisory rather than mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21254/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 and 1032 together.

Prior to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 9 of 2014) coming into effect on 1 March 2014, the then Minister signalled the intention to review their effectiveness following their first twelve months of operation. This review is now underway.

Concerns highlighted in relation to the cost impact on one-off housing and extensions to existing houses enabled my Department to give preliminary consideration to this issue in advance of the formal review of SI No. 9 of 2014. Accordingly, the documentation released for public consultation included Information Note No. 2 – New Single Dwellings (including Self-Build) and extensions to existing dwellings,setting out a number of options in relation to addressing the impact of SI No. 9 of 2014 on single dwellings and on extensions to dwellings. A copy of this information note is still available on my Department’s website at the following weblink:

It is important to balance concerns in relation to the cost impact of SI No. 9 of 2014 with the need for strong regulatory controls to ensure that home owners are assured of the safety, quality and durability of their home and for this reason the pros and cons of each option were clearly set down, together with a number of questions aimed at identifying clearly the views of respondents.

The public consultation phase of the review concluded on 15 May 2015. Some 170 submissions have been received and are currently being considered by my Department. A report on the key concerns raised during the review and the recommended course of action for addressing these concerns will be completed by end June 2015 with a view to ensuring that any changes deemed appropriate will be effected as a matter of priority.