Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 September 2022
133. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans he has to revise the Building Control Act 1990 and the building performance requirements under the building regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46928/22]
View answerThe Building Control Acts set out the statutory framework for the regulation and oversight of the design and construction of buildings. Currently, there are no plans to revise this Act.
The Building Regulations apply to the design and construction of new buildings (including houses) and certain works to existing buildings. Their aim is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about 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), they are expressed in broad functional/performance terms and are technology/material neutral. Primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
The Building Regulations are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.
A number of reviews of Parts of the Building Regulations are underway at present, including Part B (Fire Safety), Part M (Access and Use) with respect to the provision of Changing Places Toilets in certain buildings and Part C (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture).
