Patrick O'Donovan, FG TD for Limerick, confirmed the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 are to be reviewed, focusing particularly on the cost burden involved for one-off houses, including self-build, and extensions to existing dwellings.
He said: "Home owners are currently incurring inspection costs of up to €6,000 due to restrictions on who can carry out inspections. I am therefore very pleased that Minister Coffey has confirmed that he is willing to consider broadening the pool of people who can design, inspect and certify.
"Plans are advancing for the statutory registration of architectural technologists. Quality Qualifications Ireland is to set up a working group to identify a common standard for architectural technology in line with the National Qualifications Framework.
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"In keeping with domestic legal arrangements and those at EU level, Government will do everything possible to fast-track the new register and to ensure that the routes to registration are fair, open and broadly-based. The option of establishing a 'Ministers' List' is also being considered for practically trained architects, whereby they could be facilitated to continue in their work, subject to defined criteria.
"There is no question around the reasons for introducing the building regulations; the Government wanted to ensure competence and professionalism in construction, and to bring accountability to the industry. It is essential that those building homes are guaranteed the highest quality. Another Priory Hall will not be accepted.
"However, while the regulations are necessary, in reality it has been found that the regulations as they stand are overly stringent and result in high costs for those in rural Ireland building one-off houses, or people extending their home.
"Consumers must get a fair price for the actual inspection work they require, they should not have to pay an inflated rate for excessive inspection services."
(CD/JP)
