Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
709. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage whether consideration is being given to introducing Irish-specific statutory guidance on toilet provision ratios in public buildings rather than reliance on external British Standards. [39742/26]
View answer710. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage whether building control authorities are provided with any national enforcement guidance regarding assessment of compliance with sanitary provision standards under Technical Guidance Document G [39744/26]
View answer711. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage whether any national audit has been conducted into compliance levels for sanitary provision standards in public entertainment venues. [39745/26]
View answer712. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage whether the Department maintains statistics on complaints relating to inadequate toilet provision in public buildings. [39746/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 709, 710, 711 and 712 together.
As Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage I have responsibility for the Building Regulations that set out the minimum legal requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). The related Technical Guidance Documents (‘TGDs’)(Parts A - M respectively) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the regulations in practical terms.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is delegated under the Building Control Act to the local Building Control Authorities (i.e. the 31 local authorities). They have strong powers of inspection, enforcement and prosecution and are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers.
The Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works (September 2016) provides guidance with respect to inspecting and certifying works or a building for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations, including guidance on the various roles and responsibilities from commencement through to completion. No national audit has been conducted by my Department into compliance levels for sanitary provision standards in public entertainment venues.
The TGDs refer to many technical specifications, codes of practice, and other documents, including British Standards. These documents are quoted solely for the purpose of providing additional appropriate technical guidance to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations. The Building Regulations and their associated TGD’s are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment, and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.
It is not within the remit of my Department to collect or collate data or complaints in relation to the usage of sanitary facilities in public entertainment venues or public buildings.
