Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 2

Written Answers. - Enforcement of Building Regulations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

175 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the discussions, if any, he has had with various interests to ensure that the new building regulations will be properly enforced in respect of house extensions; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new regulations may result in corners being cut to the long term detriment of the public and the house owners.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Smith)

The Building Control Act, 1990, imposes a general statutory obligation to design and construct buildings — including extensions to houses — in accordance with the requirements of the building regulations. Enforcement of the regulations will be a matter for building control authorities who have wide powers under the Act for this purpose.

A series of regional seminars for local authority officials has been organised by my Department in conjunction with the Institute of Public Administration and all aspects of building control legislation, including enforcement powers, will be discussed at these seminars. My Department are also participating fully with a number of professional bodies and educational establishments in programmes of seminars and courses relevant to building control.