The Building Control Acts

What are the Building Control Acts?

The Building Control Acts of 1990 and 2007 are the basis of building regulations and building control regulations in Ireland.

Building regulations deals with issues like building standards, workmanship, energy conservation and access for people with disabilities, while building control regulations deal with commencement notices, fire safety certificates and their administration by building control authorities. Dublin City Council is a building control authority.

The Building Control Acts established a statutory duty to design and construct buildings in accordance with building regulations. Every relevant building should be designed and constructed in accordance with the regulations and the responsibility for compliance rests with builders, designers and owners.

You can read The Building Control Act 1990 and The Building Control Act 2007 in full on the electronic Irish Statute Book.

Building Regulations

The primary purpose of building regulations is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings. In general, the Building Regulations 1997-2002 apply to the construction of new buildings. These regulations also apply to extensions and material alterations to existing buildings, as well as certain changes of use. These regulations apply to all types of construction.

The legislative framework for Ireland's building control system is contained in the Building Regulations 1997-2014 and the Building Control Regulations 1997-2024.

Technical Guidance Documents

The guidance you need to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations 1997-2014 and the Building Control Regulations 1997-2015 is detailed in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's technical guidance documents. These documents refer to standards, codes and guidance for the design and construction of buildings in Ireland.

Adherence to the standards set out in these documents will usually indicate compliance with the requirements of the legislation. However, it should be noted that the adoption of another approach other than that outlined in the regulations is not precluded, provided that the relevant requirements of the regulations are complied with.

If you're a building designer or owner, these key technical guidance documents can help you ensure that your building is compliant in terms of fire safety.

• Technical Guidance Document B- Fire Safety - Dwelling Houses
• Technical Guidance Document B - Fire Safety - Buildings other than Dwelling Houses
• Technical Guidance Document K – Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and Guards
• Technical Guidance Document M - Access and Use

How Dublin Fire Brigade Can Help

Making Dublin safe from fires and other emergencies is at the heart of what we do. If you have any questions about fire safety, contact us below.