Trevor Sargent
Ceist:200 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if progress is being made in promoting alternative building materials. [25714/01]
Written Answers. - Building Regulations.
Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey): The Government's action plan to expand the capacity of the construction industry, of June 2001, a copy of which has been placed in the Oireachtas Library, explicitly acknowledges the importance of facilitating innovation in construction, including building materials; and sets out actions designed to promote innovation. The building regulations are performance based and permit the use of any building materials, products or systems which meet the minimum performance standards. The choice of building materials for specific building projects is primarily a matter for the client, designer and builder.
This process can be assisted by independent assessment and approval of building materials, products or systems. The assessment system operated under NSAI Irish Agreement Board is an example of a mechanism that gives assurance of fitness for purpose, in compliance with the building regulations.
At present, my Department is commissioning a consultancy study designed to identify the conditions for the optimal use of timber frame housing in Ireland, taking account of experience to date in this country and in other countries.