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Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021

Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Questions (333)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

333. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has a policy position on the construction of cargo container houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54268/21]

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Written answers

Modern methods of construction contain many benefits in terms of delivery and affordability, and are supported by my Department's Housing for All policy.

All new dwellings must comply with building regulations, the aim of which is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings, and in addition achieve a 60-year durability for all key elements. The Building Regulations set out the minimum requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings.

The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). 

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. National Standards Authority of Ireland (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.

For new innovative products or systems, not covered by existing standards, compliance with the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by 3rd party certification by an independent approval body, such as NSAI Agrément. My Department does not have an approval function and does not approve or endorse products for compliance with the building regulations or standards.

One of principal objectives of Housing for All is to support innovation and productivity in construction and modern methods of construction.

In this regard, actions include:

- the new Construction Technology Centre, led by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment will prioritise residential construction for its first three years of operation  - supporting innovation, modern methods of construction, digital and manufacturing technology.

- Funding and supports for innovation and productivity-related projects in the domestic residential construction sector will be provided through enterprise agencies.

- Funding for research and innovation will be increased to a level commensurate with the scale of construction in the domestic economy by 2024

- Enhance holistic construction product assessment processes for the residential sector to facilitate certification of modern methods of construction and the introduction of sustainable construction products and oversight of onsite installation,including through expanding the successful National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément approach

- Promoting a greater culture of innovation and digital adoption.  

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.

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