Since 1 June 1992, all new, extended or materially altered buildings, including those which have timber frame structures, must be built in compliance with the requirements of the national Building Regulations. Primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Implementation and enforcement of the building control system is a matter for the local building control authority.
An Irish standard for Timber Frame Dwellings, I.S. 440, was published in June 2009 by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) which specifies the requirements for timber frame construction for dwelling houses and apartment blocks. It specifies all the requirements which must be adhered to for materials, design, manufacture, construction details, site work and quality control.
A full review of Part A (Structure) of the Building Regulations, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document A, has recently been completed by my Department in conjunction with the Building Regulations Advisory Body. The revised Part A /TGD A will, among other things, refer to I.S. 440. Where works are carried out in accordance with this guidance, this will, prima facie, indicate compliance with the Regulations. The amended Part A regulations will be signed into law in the coming weeks.
A review of Part B (Fire Safety)/Technical Guidance Document B is currently under way.
