Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
206. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the limited finance options available through pillar banks for those seeking home ownership and building modular homes with certified engineers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10615/23]
View answerModern Methods of Construction has been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All Pathway 5. Modern methods of construction have the potential to help boost productivity and increase efficiency (avoid waste) in the construction sector. The coordination of activities to promote MMC adoption is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
Modern Methods of Construction in the housing context can be grouped as follows:
- Completed volumetric dwelling units, factory-manufactured and delivered to site
- Panellised components, such as walls, roofs, and floors, factory-manufactured and assembled on site; and
- Other innovative approaches to improve onsite productivity across materials and process.
All new dwellings must comply with building regulations and have a 60 year durability. 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). Building regulations are performance based and technology/material neutral.
Part D (Materials and Workmanship) requires that all works should be carried out in a workmanlike manner 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” to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
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 National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément.
My Department does not hold information on the financing options available in relation to the specific types of building referred to in the Question. Lending policy is a matter for the individual financial institutions and my Department has no role in the regulation of lending policy.
