Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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630. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 21 November 2018, his definition of a dispensation or relaxation of the building regulations for the proposed temporary modular homes; if such a dispensation or relaxation of standards will include fire safety, insulation or energy efficiency standards; and the reason he would allow a dispensation or relaxation of these regulations to British standards or industry standards which are lower than and thus inferior to the standards that apply here. [49468/18]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 260 of 21 November 2018.

While a dispensation or relaxation of the Building Regulations may be required for the modular homes concerned, the specification set out in the request for tender represents the minimum standards in the temporary/portable home sector. It is similar to British Standards and other industry standard requirements for the manufacture of such units. It sets minimum performance requirements in relation to structure, fire safety, ventilation, energy efficiency, heating systems etc. This is to ensure that good quality and safe accommodation, will be provided that is appropriate to the temporary nature of the units. 

In particular, fire safety requirements in the tender documents are aligned with the Technical Guidance Document B – Fire Safety of Part B of the Building Regulations for such buildings. Local authorities will also be liaising with the respective Fire Authority on individual hub projects to ensure adequate provision has been made for Fire Safety.