Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2017
228. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that sprinkler systems are installed in all higher residential and commercial buildings and immediately report to Dáil Éireann on the safety of the cladding materials used in all insulation programmes for homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29309/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will conduct a review of the increased use of combustible materials in house construction and, if necessary, update fire safety regulations and building regulations. [29375/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra233. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the level of combustible materials being used in all new social housing construction including standard build, refurbishment, rapid build and hubs; and if he is satisfied that the use of such materials does not in any way compromise fire safety in these units. [29376/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if cladding (details supplied) can be used in low rise or high rise buildings under current building regulations; if his Department tracks through the building control management system the use of such cladding materials; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact if it has been used in buildings. [29418/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 232 to 234, inclusive, together.
The aim of the building regulations is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings. The building regulations apply to the design and construction of a building or to an extension or material alteration of a building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts classified as Parts A to M.
Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the building regulations in practical terms. TGD B contains guidance, compliance with which will, prima facie, indicate compliance with Part B. The building regulations are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation. Part B/TGD B is currently under review and is being split into 2 volumes. Part B/TGD B - Fire Safety - Volume 2 - Dwelling Houses 2017 was published earlier this year and comes into effect on 1 July 2017. Volume 1 is being prepared for public consultation.
TGD B provides guidance on external wall construction in relation to internal and external fire spread, and also refers to other publications for further advice.
Under Part D of the building regulations, Materials and Workmanship, there is an overarching requirement that all works should be carried out using “proper materials…which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used” to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements as prescribed.
Where innovative products are used, third party certification, such as Agrément Certification is a means of demonstrating how products or systems can meet the requirements of the building regulations, including Part B. Care should be taken to read the terms and conditions of such certification and ensure that the content of the certification is strictly adhered to during construction, in conjunction with the Fire Safety Certificate where relevant.
While it has yet to be definitively confirmed what type of cladding was used in the renovation of Grenfell Tower, the United Kingdom Department of Communities and Local Government has confirmed that Cladding using a composite aluminium panel with a polyethylene core would be non-compliant with current Building Regulations guidance as this material should not be used as cladding on buildings over 18m in height. I can confirm that the same restrictions apply under Irish Building Regulations.
Currently, the Building Regulations do not require provision of sprinklers in all residential and commercial buildings. Provision of sprinklers may arise as a requirement where certain design features are included in buildings, such as phased evacuation in some high rise buildings with floors over 30m above ground level, or as an optional additional feature to facilitate certain building configurations. It is important to note that the building regulations place particular emphasis on adequate means of escape in the case of fire.
The purpose of the Building Control Management System (BCMS) is to facilitate building control authorities, building owners, builders and construction professionals in discharging their separate responsibilities under the Building Control Act 1990. The system provides a common platform for clear and consistent administration of building control matters across the local authority sector through facilitating the receipt and lodgement of commencement notices, statutory certificates and compliance documentation in line with the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations.
