Vol. 555 No. 1
202 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps taken by his Department to ensure that book L of the building regulations are being implemented by the construction industry; and if houses and their specifications are examined to ensure compliance with those regulations. [17573/02]
Under the Building Control Act, 1990, compliance with the building regulations – including part L, conservation of fuel and energy – is primarily the legal responsibility of the designer, builder and owner of the building.
Local building control authorities have powers to enforce the building regulations by way of inspections, enforcement notices and prosecutions. Given the primary responsibility of developers for ensuring compliance, it has always been envisaged that the direct enforcement by local authorities should be selective. The current enforcement target is that authorities would physically inspect 12% to 15% of developments in their functional areas.
The careful selection by clients of competent building professionals and contractors should help to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the regulations. The main professional bodies associated with the construction industry have stated their commitment to ensuring compliance with the regulations as part of their service to customers.
Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 184.
