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Irish Home Builders Association facing challenge together

Irish Home Builders Association facing challenge together

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23/05/2003

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

Irish Home Builders Association - “We’re Facing Many Challenges – Let’s Face Them Together”, Says Ahern

Irish Home Builders Association - “We’re Facing Many Challenges – Let’s Face Them Together”, Says Ahern

Mr. Noel Ahern. T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal was speaking at the Irish Home Builders Association Gala Banquet in Kilkenny today (17th May 2003).

The Minister commented on the recent changes to the operation of Part V in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2002 and called on those present at the IHBA Convention to adopt a pro-active approach in contributing to the supply of social and affordable housing. “For Part V to be implemented effectively, it is vital that you, as house builders and developers, engage, at the earliest possible time, in pre-planning discussions with the relevant officials in local authorities”.

The Minister highlighted the Government’s success in achieving significant housing output. “2002 was the 8th successive year of record house completions, with 57,695 units completed. Ireland is currently building at the fastest rate in Europe - close to 15 units per 1,000 population last year. Recent indicators suggest that this upward trend in housing supply is continuing into this year”.

The Minister stressed the importance of ensuring that house purchasers obtain good value for money, in terms of quality of housing and their general living environment.

The Minister concluded by referring to the requirements of Part M of the national Building Regulations, which requires all new residential buildings commenced on or after 1 January 2001 to be visitable by people with disabilities. “I would draw your attention again, in this European Year of People with Disabilities to the need to familiarise yourselves with the requirements of Part M. My Department has published illustrated technical guidance on the new Part M regime, which should be of assistance”.