Building Control Legislation

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Building Control Act 1990 & 2007

View relevant legislation on the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Website.

In accordance with the Building Control Act, a Fire Safety Certificate and a Disability Access Certificate may be required in relation to certain works including:

• Works in connection with the design and construction of a new building 
• Works in connection with the material alteration of: 
          1. A day centre 
          2. A building containing a flat 
          3. A hotel, hostel or guest building 
          4. An institutional building 
          5. A place of assembly 
          6. A shopping centre
• Works in connection with the material alteration of a shop, office or industrial building where additional floor area is being provided within the existing building or where the building is being sub divided into a number of units for separate occupancy.
• Works in connection with the extension of a building by more than 25 square metres
• A building as regards which a material change of use takes place.

Certain Exemptions apply. However, if you plan to carry out works or have carried out works you should check with your local Building Control Authority (Galway County Council or Galway City Council depending on the site location) or the prevention Section of Galway Fire & Rescue Service whether or not a Fire Safety Certificate or Disability Access Certificate is required. Since the 1st January 2010 generally any works that require a Fire Safety Certificate also require a Disability Access Certificate.