Kelly welcomes publication of SI 365 of 2015 easing application of Building Control Regulations
Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D., Minister of the Environment, Community and Local Government, has welcomed the news his colleague Minister Paudie Coffey had published new regulations that will ease the application of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 9 of 2014) for single dwellings and for domestic extensions.
Myself and Minister Coffey announced in early August that following a review of S.I. No. 9 of 2014 after 12 months in operation, we had decided to make new amendment regulations that remove the mandatory requirement for statutory certificates of compliance in respect of a new dwelling on a single unit development or a domestic extension. An owner, which includes self-builders, of such projects will be given the choice to opt out of statutory certification and may instead demonstrate by alternative means that they have met their general obligation to build in accordance with the minimum requirements of the building regulations. An Information Note for owners of new dwellings and extensions who opt out of statutory certification for building control purposes has been published on my Department’s website to assist people in understanding and complying with building control requirements and is available here – http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/
Minister Kelly added, “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,” concluded Minister Kelly.
