Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
159. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider conducting a review of the relevant building regulations, that is, part B, relating to fire, and part A, relating to structure, to address challenges with renovating existing units to residential use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15857/23]
View answer160. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with the relevant agencies to provide specific and technical guidance documents for renovating older buildings to assist construction professionals, builders and owners to better understand buildings regulations and to achieve compliance in older buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15858/23]
View answerThe Building Regulations 1997 to 2022 provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings and apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) or an extension to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations.
They 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.
On 20 January 2023, I launched a three-month public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B of the Building Regulations relating to fire safety and the associated Technical Guidance Document. The proposed changes aim to improve fire safety in new buildings and support the re-use of existing buildings by simplifying, clarifying and rationalising fire safety requirements and guidance.
In relation to the call for guidance on building regulations for refurbishment or conversion of existing buildings for residential use, my Department has published the “Bringing Back Homes - Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings’, which is available on the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c790-bringing-back-homes-print-version/. Created as a reference guide, the manual aims to provide property owners, members of the public, local authorities and those involved in the construction industry with clear guidance on how current regulatory requirements apply to common, existing building types.
In addition, on 30 January 2023, I launched the Vacant Homes Action Plan. The Plan outlines the progress that has been made in implementing actions to address vacancy and make efficient use of existing stock, contained in Housing for All. It also identifies the actions to be pursued in order to continue to return as many vacant properties back to viable use as possible, increase the supply of housing available, and revitalise the vibrancy of local communities. A copy of the Vacant Homes Action Plan can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/
