Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

123. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he has initiated any review of building regulations to speed the process of bringing voids back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9083/17]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Building Regulations 1997 to 2017, which are made under the Building Control Act 1990, as amended, set out the minimum legal requirements applicable to the construction of all new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings.

The Building Regulations are primarily concerned with the safety and well-being of persons in and around buildings, and are subject to regular review and improvement in the light of EU requirements, technical progress, changes in standards and construction practices, as well as developments within the construction industry.

In this context, a review of Part B of the Building Regulations, Fire Safety, including a public consultation process has recently been completed with revised regulations and technical guidance expected to be published shortly. Furthermore, a review of Part L, Conservation of fuel and energy – Buildings other than Dwellings, will be launched for full public consultation in the coming weeks.

My Department is exploring the potential for streamlining the approach to redeveloping and re-utilising vacant properties. In this context, processes and requirements in relation to planning, building control, fire safety and the conservation of historic buildings are being considered.