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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 5

Written Answers. - Building Regulations.

John Bruton

Question:

213 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the redress home owners have under the legal system should builders build houses in breach of building regulations and standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/02]

The national building regulations prescribe minimum construction standards for buildings, including dwellings. Part D requires works to be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner.

Compliance with regulations is primarily a matter for the designers, builders and owners of the buildings involved. Local building control authorities are responsible for monitoring and enforcement of compliance with them. Under the regulations the authorities are empowered to inspect buildings, issue enforcement notices for non-compliance with the regulations and initiate court proceedings.

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. Where the construction of a building is the subject of a contract between the client commissioning the building and the builder, enforcement of this contract is a civil matter.

In the case of new houses Home Bond and Premier Guarantee independently indemnify house owners against major defects of a structural nature for ten years following completion of the building work.

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