Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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363. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied). [30756/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Building Regulations 1997 to 2022 provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings and apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) or an extension to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations.

They are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.

Earlier this year I held a three-month public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B of the Building Regulations relating to fire safety and the associated Technical Guidance Document. The proposed changes aim to improve fire safety in new buildings and support the re-use of existing buildings by simplifying, clarifying and rationalising fire safety requirements and guidance.

Work is now underway in my Department to examine each submission made and to consider if an amendment to the proposed Part B of the Building Regulations relating to fire safety and/or the associated draft Technical Guidance Document is warranted or required. The issues raised will also be considered in this context. In line with Action 21.1 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update, the review of Part B of the Building Regulations (Fire Safety) is due to be completed and published in Q4 2023.