Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

254. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is familiar with the Riverwalk Court development (details supplied) in Ratoath in County Meath, and the fact that residents have had to vacate the property due to fire and safety risks; the process for ensuring that a building does not pose a fire or health and safety risk to residents, workers and visitors; and the options available to property owners at Riverwalk Court. [25424/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Part B (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document B, sets down clearly the statutory minimum standards of fire safety provision which must be achieved when a new building or dwelling is designed and constructed. A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is also required before construction work commences on new non-domestic buildings and apartment blocks and extensions to, or material alterations/changes of use of, existing buildings. The FSC is issued by the Building Control Authority and certifies that the building, if constructed in accordance with the plans and documentation submitted, will comply with the requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations. Compliance with the statutory requirements that apply to a building, or works in relation to a building, is first and foremost a matter for the owners, designers and builders concerned. Remediation of defects is a matter between the parties concerned, the owner and the builder/developer and their insurers. Where problems cannot be resolved through dialogue or mediation it may be necessary to seek enforcement through the courts.

Local authorities have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Safety Act 1981, the Building Control Act 1990 and the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which may be relevant in relation to fire safety concerns in apartment blocks.

I understand that Meath County Council is aware of the concerns that have arisen in relation to the multi-unit complex at Riverwalk Court. I would advise all owners to engage with the Local Authority in carrying out its statutory functions. Neither I nor my Department have any function in assessing, checking or testing compliance, or otherwise, of specific works or developments, nor can I or my Department influence or interfere in the handling of specific cases by local authorities who are at all times independent in the use of their statutory powers.