Imminent changes to SI.9 announced | Minister Alan Kelly T.D.
by Bregs Blog admin team
28 November 2014
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly T.D., has given a strong indication that amendments to S.I 9 are imminent. The likely sea-change in the policy introduced by his predecessor, Phil Hogan, follows widespread criticism of the S.I.9 Building Control legislation and the many practical and financial problems being encountered by building owners, design professionals and building contractors. The announcement came about on Tuesday last at a Construction Industry Federation function.
The Minister is quoted as saying:
“we can’t be using a mallet to crack a nut…
I’ll be proposing that there’ll be amendments to the Regulations– particularly in relation to self-build, one-off houses and extensions– because I believe there’s a need for some change in that whole area…
I think the Regulations, as they currently stand, are a bit too onerous. In fact, I know they’re too onerous. They need to be amended and myself and Minister Paudie Coffey will be working on that.”
His statement follows intensive lobbying and consultation in recent weeks between his Department, representatives of self-builder groups and a very wide range of stakeholders including contributors to this blog on the array of unintended consequences of S.I.9 to date. This is the second public statement from the Minister in as many weeks that signal his own concerns about the new Building Control system, introduced in March of this year. Both Minister Kelly and Minister Coffey have sent a clear message that they are personally aware of the problems and very committed to putting them right. Coming just 24 hours after the launch of the Housing Strategy, the two ministers are keenly aware of the impact of the new regulations on housing supply. Irish Building Magazine posted the following video of the above address by Minister Alan Kelly . The Minister may be heard from 7:16-20:14.
Link to Irish Building Magazine here.
BRegs Blog 
Reblogged this on Mark Stephens Architects and commented:
Are we getting someone to see sense? I doubt this would have happened if it was left to the major stakeholders & the BRegs Blog wasn’t campaigning as hard as it has! Well done boys & girls but it ain’t over yet!
I agree Mark. Well done to all involved in the creation and promotion of this website. There is a burning need for wide public access to well-curated specialist information and opinion. It is the future of things and should be encouraged as much as possible.