Sir, – With reference to the article on building regulations (Property, February 13th), there is one misleading comment which states, "the regulations will end the system of self-certification . . .". In fact, the regulations extend the system of self-certification. For example, under the new regulations a developer / builder can use one of his own staff, who happens to hold one of the approved qualifications, to certify that everything is in compliance.
The RIAI recently adopted an updated policy on building regulations which, along with calling for a deferral of the implementation date, also states “Self-certification as set out in the SI, especially in the speculative residential sector, cannot be relied on to protect householders”. – Yours, etc,
JOE KENNEDY, MRIAI,
Chair of the Building
Regulations Steering
Group, RIAI
Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.