Since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London, concern has grown over the use of polyethylene cladding on buildings in Ireland, writes Caroline O’Doherty.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly yesterday continued to reject claims new guidelines on apartment sizes will create “shoe-box living”.

The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland has warned that public safety and building standards could be compromised if the requirement to comply with building regulations for single houses or extensions is removed.

IT’S that time of year when the annual RIAI review is published and although it feels like a familiar annual event, (it arrives at Christmas), the 150-page, fully illustrated booklet, the Review, has been in print only since 2010 — ironic really that it coincided with the lowest point in our slough of despond, but also marked the moment of recovery, perhaps.