Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
38. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has assessed the cost impact of the new sprinkler system requirements on small businesses constructing industrial units; if supports or mitigations are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35805/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Regulations set out minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings and works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. The primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
Following the completion of a comprehensive review of Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations, the Building Regulations (Part B Amendment) Regulations 2024 were signed on 26 March 2024.
As part of the review process, my Department undertook a public consultation between January and April 2023 seeking comments on a draft amendment to the Buildings Regulations, draft Technical Guidance Document B and a Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis.
The Building Regulations (Part B Amendment) Regulations 2024, Technical Guidance Document B 2024 (TGD B 2024) and a Final Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) are currently available on my Department’s website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/263ee-technical-guidance-document-b-fire-safety/.
The operative date of these Regulations was 1 May, 2025, subject to the transitional periods cited.
TGD B 2024 provides guidance on the incorporation of sprinkler systems in buildings depending on a number of factors. The cost, benefits and impacts associated with the provisions of Part B/TGD B 2024 are set out in the Final RIA.
For complex buildings, my Department has also published an Information Note on Alternative Approaches to Demonstrate Compliance with the Building Regulations, which is available on my Department’s website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/alternative-approaches-to-demonstrate-compliance-with-the-building-regulations/.
