Legislators and members of the Oireachtas Housing Committee have been informed that the newly issued building codes do not extend to complexities such as the construction of high-rise timber structures. The laws lack provision for underground parking facilities, a growing issue for Dublin’s Fire Brigade, despite incorporating the mandatory fitting of sprinklers in multi-unit residences including nursing homes.
The directives, labelled as Technical Guidance Document B (TGDB), emphasise early fire warning, escape routes, potential internal and external fire dissemination and accessibility for fire operatives. However, concerns were raised by Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD, as he asked for validation from Dennis Keeley, the senior fire officer of Dublin Fire Brigade, on claims that there were instances when fire sprinkler requirements were removed from planning stipulations by An Bord Pleanála following developer appeals.
Ó Broin further enquired if Sarah Neary, the principal adviser at the Department of Housing, believes that integrating guidelines for complex construction in TGDB would have been better. He also sought clarification on when such technical instructions would be provided.
Keeley admitted that while the TGDB 2024 has made significant strides, it ignores complex buildings, which implies a potential fail in complying with construction regulations through it. In response to questions regarding intricate structures, including high wooden frameworks, he hopes that the guidance would be part of the Government Housing Department’s research group contemplations.
He also addressed the potential fire risks posed by external cladding, mentioning that a low number of buildings, likely to be just two, had been identified as potential hazard sources, with one vacant and the other undergoing corrective measures. He stressed the critical importance of ensuring safety in these establishments, reiterating it as the fundamental purpose of the building regulations.
He made it clear that all individuals involved, including both the inhabitants and fire crews, were to be taken into account. He acknowledged that there was a collaborative steering group involving various departments and businesses that focused on timber construction, expressing optimism that this research would tackle the prevalent issues and complications. When questioned by Mr Ó Broin, Ms Neary elaborated that continuous efforts were being made to establish technical guidance for intricate structures.