Revisions to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations SI. 365 of 2015 were published by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) on 1st September 2015. Some key points* from the information note: ‘Alternative Process’: The most recent amendment to the Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2015 provides owners of new single dwellings, on a single development unit, […]

The country’s construction sector has reported the fourth consecutive month of growth in activity in December. The Ulster Bank’s construction purchasing managers index came in 58.3 last month, and while this was down from the 58.8 reading in November, the index still pointed to a substantial increase in construction activity. A figure over 50 signals […]

The recovery in the Irish construction sector picked up pace in October. Growth of both activity and new business accelerated from September and firms raised their input buying sharply, although the rate of job creation remained marginal. Meanwhile, cost inflation quickened as material prices increased. The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) – a […]

The Safety, Health and Welfare at work (Construction) Regulations 2013 came into effect on the 1st of August 2013. The Health and Safety Authority has produced two short guidance documents to assist duty holders in understanding and complying with the new regulations. The Regulations cover paid occupational work only and do not apply to DIY Guide for Homeowners The […]

The Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2013 under the Building Control Act 1990 were published by the Minister for the Environment on 4th April 2013. The new regulations will come into effect on 1st March 2014.  The new Building Control Regulations require: Submission of compliance drawings and documentation to local building control authorities; Setting out and […]

Impending new regulations with regard to Building Control will have a dramatic but necessary effect on how our houses will be constructed in the future. Responsibility will rest with all parties involved in the construction process namely Client, Engineer/Architect and Builder. A series of certifications throughout the process will ensure new houses will be constructed […]

Excerpt from recent CIF Circular….. “The Government is currently in negotiations to secure a new EU stimulus package.  If this scheme is agreed it should have a major impact on the construction industry.  The CIF estimates there are hundreds of shovel ready projects around the country which could be given an immediate green light if […]

Recent article published in the ‘Irish Construction Industry Magazine’ has indicated that building costs have stabilised and increased slightly in the second half of 2011 for the first time since 2007. According to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), construction prices are now back to 1998 levels and new figures indicate that these rates […]

The revised Part L of the Building Regulations came into effect on the 1st December 2011. Everyone associated with the construction industry should already be familiar with these changes. Should you be in the process of considering to build your new home then make sure whatever contractor you engage is competent and fully aware of all new […]

Commencements…. Data for the first six months of this year indicate that 2,647 new housing units were commenced throughout the country. The same period last year indicated 3,736 units were started, a drop of 1,089 year on year or 29.1%. Of the 2,647 units started this year, 1977, or nearly 3 out of every 4, […]