Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2019
100. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will reconsider his opposition to establishing a latent defects redress fund in view of media reports in relation to another development (details supplied). [16411/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has considered the report, Safe As Houses? A Report on Building Standards, Building Controls and Consumer Protection, by the Joint Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government; his plans to implement a redress scheme supported by an industry levy, interest-free loans or tax deduction with regard to building deficiencies in apartment blocks as suggested by the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16353/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 110 together.
The Safe as Houses report referred to has been considered by my Department and while I can subscribe to many of the principles in the report, I believe that the building control reform agenda, with its many initiatives, already provides a comprehensive roadmap for embedding a culture of real compliance within the construction industry. The reform agenda includes:
- Amendments made to the Building Control Regulations;
- Establishment of a shared services National Building Control Management Project; and
- The ongoing development of new legislation through the Building Control (Construction Industry Register Ireland) Bill.
In relation to legacy issues, I and my predecessors have supported homeowners and addressed a number of the defects that have come to light over the last decade, including through -
- the independent Report of the Pyrite Panel and the Pyrite Remediation Scheme;
- the Report of the Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks; and
- the publication of a Framework for enhancing Fire Safety in dwellings where concerns arise.
I acknowledge the very stressful circumstances which the owners and residents of buildings face when defects occur in their homes. However, in general, building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved: the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. It is important to note that while my Department has overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory framework for building standards and building control, it has no general statutory role in resolving defects in privately owned buildings, including dwellings, nor does it have a budget for such matters.
While the Committee’s report recommends a redress scheme, it is not possible for the State to take on responsibility/liability for all legacy issues. Nor would it send the right message to the industry regarding their responsibility for compliance.
Local authorities have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which may be relevant where fire safety concerns arise in residential developments. Fire services may inspect buildings in cases of defects or complaints in respect of fire safety. They work with building owners to ensure immediate risks are addressed, and a plan put in place for works to bring buildings into compliance. They have enforcement powers for cases where co-operation is not forthcoming, or progress cannot be made on an agreed basis. Local authorities are independent in the use of their statutory powers.
In the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise, it was agreed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application. In August 2017, the Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in Dwellings was published, which is intended to be used as a guide by the owners and occupants of dwellings where fire safety deficiencies have been identified, or are a cause for concern. The Framework will also be of assistance to professional advisors, both in developing strategies to improve fire safety and in developing strategies to enable continued occupation in advance of undertaking the necessary works to ensure compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. The Framework is available on my Department's website at the following link.
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, and in recognition of fears expressed for fire safety, my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management was asked to convene a Task Force to lead a re-appraisal of our approach to fire safety in Ireland. In its report, the Task Force acknowledges the importance of fire safety in apartment buildings and makes a number of recommendations in this regard and I have tasked the Directorate's Management Board with implementation of the recommendations within its remit, and oversight of the implementation of other recommendations. The Task Force Report is available on my Department's website at the following link.
In addition, in relation to the Building Regulations, work has been on-going to review Part B – Fire Safety and a new Part B/ TGD B Volume 2 (2017) came into force on 1 July 2017. This Volume 2 applies to dwellings/(houses) only. A revised Volume 1, dealing with buildings other than dwellings, which includes apartments, is being prepared for public consultation.
