Key elements of building rules ‘not yet in place’

The Royal Institute of Architects Ireland has said new building regulations which come into force today are being introduced before key aspects have been addressed.

According to the Department of the Environment, the regulations, introduced under the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2013, “set out to prevent the future re-occurrence of poorly constructed dwellings, pyrite damage and structures breaching fire regulations left as a legacy of a poorly regulated housing boom”.

At the heart of the new regulations is a requirement for a registered architect, building surveyor, or chartered engineer to act as an assigned certifier and inspect building works at key stages during construction.