Irish Building Control Regulations eased

The Irish government have announced plans that will see the application of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I No. 9 of 2014) eased for single dwellings and domestic extensions.

Following the discovery of some serious deficiencies in building standards, most notably Priory Hall in Dublin, self-certification by builders was replaced by the introduction of statutory certificates of compliance. However, the government has announced these regulations are to be relaxed for one-off homes and house extensions.

After a review of S.I. No. 9 of 2014, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Paudie Coffey, took the decision to amend the regulation to remove the mandatory requirement for statutory certificates of compliance on single unit developments or domestic extensions.

The amendment will provide the owner of such properties the option to opt-out of statutory certification and instead provide alternative means to demonstrate that the minimum requirements of the building regulations have been met.

To combat any potential drop in standards for the type of builds covered under the regulations, a new local authority inspection service will be introduced. The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government will work closely with The County and City Management Association to make sure the inspection process is developed and resourced. Definitive targets and timelines for delivery will be set to ensure improvement by local authorities in all sectors, i.e. single dwellings, multi-unit residential developments and commercial buildings.

Mr Coffey said “I am satisfied that the new arrangements will level the playing field for individuals and families planning to build or extend their own home.  They will no longer be held to ransom by excessive quotes for design and completion certificates.  Owners who wish to invest in statutory certification may of course continue to do so and I believe many will do so where reasonable and affordable prices can be obtained.

“This approach restores the balance of power to consumers. Nobody who invests in their own home would spend money on substandard work but people should not have to pay at inflated rates for excessive inspection services.

“I firmly believe that local authorities should be setting the standard when it comes to the construction of homes; and given the roll-out of the Social Housing Strategy, we must ensure that we have well-built homes for families across Ireland.”

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