Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2004
386 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of checking of compliance with building regulations which is undertaken by local authorities; and the extent to which a local authority can retrospectively inspect the level of compliance with the regulations where faults are detected by householders in the years after occupation. [15295/04]
View answerWith the objective of improving monitoring by local authorities of compliance with building regulations, my Department and the City and County Managers Association have adopted a target of inspecting a representative sample of buildings. This is currently equivalent to at least 12% to 15% of buildings covered by valid commencement notices served on each building control authority. In the second half of 2003, the latest period for which statistics are available, all 37 building control authorities were carrying out inspections and 84% of authorities met the agreed target. I hope all authorities will achieve this target by the end of this year.
Under section 8(2) of the Building Control Act 1990, an enforcement notice for non-compliance with the building regulations must be served by the building control authority within five years from the date of completion of the relevant building or works.
387 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the system for identifying the source of structural faults by homeowners in houses is satisfactory; if he has further satisfied himself that there is an adequate documentary record retained of the building and structural aspects of construction which are not open to inspection by the naked eye, so that persons can quickly and effectively identify the standard to which the house was built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15296/04]
View answerIt is primarily a matter for the designers and builder to decide on the level of detail to be required in drawings and specifications for the construction or reconstruction of dwellings. Owners or prospective purchasers of new or existing dwellings should assess the adequacy of building documentation available, in consultation with their legal and professional advisers. It is advisable for dwellings to be surveyed by a competent building professional prior to purchase or in the event of defects being suspected after purchase.
I understand that new houses covered by structural guarantees issued by Home Bond or Premier Guarantee are subject to independent inspections by the relevant guarantee companies, who would retain records of such inspections for a minimum period of ten years.
