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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Building Regulations.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

148 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Irish Building Control Institute that tens of thousands of new apartments and housing developments have not been checked by building inspectors for fire risks or faulty wiring as a result of staff shortages; the steps being taken to address the staff shortages in view of the possible dangers where inspections do not take place or are delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2383/03]

My Department is aware that the Irish Building Control Institute, IBCI, has expressed a number of concerns about the operation of the building regulations. The relevant framework legislation, the Building Control Act 1990, assigns responsibility for complying with the building regulations primarily to the owners, designers and builders of the buildings involved. The role of local building control authorities is, within this framework, included as one of monitoring buildings for compliance with the building regulations.

My Department and the City and County Managers Association have adopted a target of inspecting a representative sample of buildings, currently equivalent to at least 12% to 15% of developments in the functional area of each building control authority. Within that overall target, priority is given to building works that are the subject of any complaints and buildings used by large numbers of people, such as buildings of public resort, including offices, hotels and cinemas; multi-storey buildings, including apartment blocks; institutional buildings, including hospitals and nursing homes. Local authorities also issue fire safety certificates for new non-residential buildings and new apartment blocks certifying that, if the relevant buildings are constructed in accordance with the plans lodged with the authority, they will comply with part B, fire safety, of the building regulations.

My Department has consistently encouraged local authorities to actively enforce parts A to M of the building regulations. The appointment of building control officers has been sanctioned. FÁS, in partnership with Offaly County Council, has developed customised training courses and computer software for building control officers. Building control fees have been substantially increased to make adequate funds available for local enforcement. At present, more than 90% of authorities are carrying out inspections, more than 80% of authorities have achieved the target level of inspection and the remaining authorities have been requested to achieve the agreed target as soon as possible.

Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 123.
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