Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
499. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a builder can be compelled to carry out remedial works on the roof of a home at no cost to the homeowner where breaches of NSAI S.R.82:2017 – Slating & Tiling: Code of Practice have been found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Regulations apply generally to new buildings and to existing buildings which undergo an extension, a material alteration or a material change of use. These Regulations set out the minimum legal performance requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings.
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 1990 as amended to the local building control authorities (i.e. the 31 local authorities) who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers. Interpretation of the legislation is ultimately a matter for the Courts. My Department has no function in assessing whether any particular works comply with the Building Regulations.
Building regulations do not apply to the management, operation or maintenance of existing buildings. However, in general, matters that arise during building works are a matter for resolution between the contracting parties involved: the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. While my Department has overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory framework for building standards and building control, it has no general statutory role in resolving matters arising in privately owned buildings, including dwellings.
