Building Regulations Amendments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 January 2014

Thursday, 30 January 2014

Questions (133)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

133. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address self-builders' concerns regarding amendment SI 9 of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014, effective from 1 March 2014, which will oblige self-builders to employ a certified professional to design a house on their behalf and to have building contractors take over the project from start to finish; if he will also address the concern that this will restrict persons in their choice of method of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4586/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 544 and 554 of 28 January 2014 which comprehensively addressed the concerns raised by the Irish Association of Self-builders.

The method of construction used for a building is matter of choice for the owner and the designer. Building Regulations do not favour any one particular method of construction over another. They set a minimum set of performance standards which a finished building must achieve. The required performance standards can typically be achieved using a variety of traditional or innovative approaches thereby optimising the level of choice available to owner and designers. The Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 are consistent with this approach will not constrain owners in their choice of a method of construction.