Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Building Regulations.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

108 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to provide that staircases and bedroom floors in all dwelling units should be built in pre-cast concrete, rather than in timber which constitutes a fire hazard. [1564/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

Part B of the second schedule to the Building Regulations 1997 sets out the legal requirements relating to fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings and the reconstruction of existing buildings. The building regulations themselves do not place a restriction on the types of materials or the method of construction which can be used provided that the requirements of the regulations are met.

The 12 comprehensive technical guidance documents which accompany the building regu lations provide guidance on how to comply with the regulations. Technical Guidance Document B – Fire Safety (1997 edition) – provides guidance on requirements for fire resisting construction, either of a combustible or non-combustible nature, in particular situations, e.g. party walls between buildings, walls and floors which divide a building into fire compartments.

The combustibility, or non-combustibility, of elements of construction such as floors and staircases is just one of a number of considerations which go towards the provision of fire safety in a building and the use of combustible materials may not in itself constitute a fire hazard.

Wood is a traditional and environmentally sustainable building material. I understand that wood is used widely in Europe in the construction of staircases and bedroom floors. I am advised that the current technical guidance in relation to staircases and bedroom floors, including the use of timber in particular situations, is adequate. Accordingly, I have no plans to change the current guidance.