Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
140. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the outcome of the Public Consultation on the Review of Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations; what the aim of the review was; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34534/23]
View answerThe public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B of the Building Regulations and the associated Technical Guidance Document relating to fire safety closed on 21 April 2023. 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.
This public consultation was the culmination of a review of Part B of the Building Regulations and the associated Technical Guidance Document B which was necessitated by a number of issues including changes in the design and construction of buildings and the use of new and innovative building systems and materials. The review also took common and emerging building trends into account.
In carrying out the review, specific regard was given to the holistic requirements of the Building Regulations in Ireland as well as the framework of administration set out under the Building Control Regulations. In addition, fire safety, planning and Irish health and safety laws were considered along with Irish policy documents such as Housing for All and Fire Safety in Ireland – The Report of the Fire Safety Task Force 2018.
Work is underway in my Department to examine each submission made and to consider if an amendment to the proposed Part B of the Building Regulations relating to fire safety and/or the associated draft Technical Guidance Document is warranted or required. In line with Action 21.1 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update, the review of Part B of the Building Regulations (Fire Safety) is due to be completed and published in Q4 2023.
