Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
480 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will undertake a review of pyrite testing standards for quarries to ensure that they conform with best international practice; if he will introduce statutory standards for pyrite testing of homes and other buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21788/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC) provides for a system of harmonised technical specifications for construction products. There is a suite of European Standards and Guidance Documents dealing with the use of aggregates in concrete, bituminous mixtures, mortar, etc. The standards set out the testing requirements for aggregates depending on their end use and the guidance documents provide further guidance on the use of the standards.
I.S. EN 13242:2002 is a harmonised European Product Standard for "Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials" for use in civil engineering works. It sets out the rules for producers to demonstrate conformity with the standard. It requires initial type testing before an aggregate is placed on the market, and these tests to be repeated if the aggregate comes from a new source, if there is a major change in raw materials or when the aggregate is to conform to a new requirement.
Standard Recommendation (SR) 21, published by the National Standards Authority (NSAI) in 2004, provides guidance on the use of I.S. EN 13242:2002. It was revised in 2007 to give additional specific guidance on reducing the risk of reactive forms of pyrite being present in material fill for use under concrete floors in dwellings and buildings. The revised standard includes a detailed sample specification which sets out the results expected of hardcore, when tested in accordance withI.S. EN 13242:2002. The pyrite panel, which I set up in September 2011, is due to report to me shortly. On receipt of its report, I will give consideration to any recommendations it may contain in relation to a requirement for a common testing standard for buildings affected by pyrite.
481 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce statutory standards for the remediation of buildings affected by pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21789/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007 set out a clear statutory framework for construction activity based on legal standards as set out in the Building Regulations and detailed Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) outlining how compliance with the regulations can be achieved in practice. The Building Regulations set out the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings, including houses and extensions. Works carried out in accordance with the guidance in the TGDs is considered, prima facie, evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations. However, an approach other than that set out in the guidance is not precluded, provided compliance with the relevant requirements can be demonstrated. I will give careful consideration to any recommendations which the report of the independent Pyrite Panel may contain in relation to standards for the remediation of buildings affected by pyrite.
