Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
393. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has considered or investigated the use of 3D printed houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26293/21]
View answerThe design and construction of buildings is regulated under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2020. The Act provides for the making of Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations.
The Building Regulations set out the minimum legal performance requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings. They do not prescribe materials or methods of construction to be used. The purpose of the Building Regulations is primarily to protect the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings.
Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published for Parts A - M of the Second Schedule to the Building Regualtions. Where works are carried out in accordance with the relevant TGD, such works are considered to be, prima facie, in compliance with that Part of the Regulations. However, the adoption of an approach other than that outlined in the guidance is not precluded provided that the relevant requirements of the Regulations are complied with.
Part D of the Building Regulations sets out the legal requirements for materials and workmanship. It requires that all works must be carried out
- using “proper materials” which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used, and
- in a workmanlike manner
to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
The process of Agrément certification applies to those products and processes which do not fall within the scope of existing construction standards, either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms. NSAI Agrément assesses, specifies testing, and where appropriate, issues Agrément certificates confirming that new building products, materials, techniques and equipment are safe and fit for purpose in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and with the terms of the certificate. Such certificates may be in addition to, but not conflict with CE marking.
Finally, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform convenes the Construction Sector Group (CSG). The CSG facilitates regular and open dialogue between Government and industry on topics such as productivity, environmental sustainability and skills/capacity and digital innovation. In this context, an Innovation and Digital Adoption Team to improve industry productivity across 7 actions has been established including Research and Modern Methods of Construction. My Department is engaging with these initiatives in the interests of improving efficiency, sustainability and value for money, while maintaining compliance with Building Regulations and other minimum quality standards.
