RSUA engages with DfC on improving safety of high-rise buildings

18/02/2025

Today, an RSUA Working Group attended the second monthly workshop hosted by the Department for Communities (DfC) to help co-design a new process for High-Rise Residential Buildings (HRRBs) in Northern Ireland. The Working Group was represented by architects Jim Armstrong, Steve Buckley, Pearse McCann, Joan McCoy, and Donal MacRandal.

These workshops aim to improve the safety of HRRBs in response to the Grenfell tragedy, the subsequent findings from the Hackitt Report, and the recommendations made by the Expert Panel on HRRB safety in Northern Ireland.

The Department’s intention is for this engagement to inform the development of new legislation, with the final policy on HRRB design expected to be enacted in 2027.

The focus of this particular session was on accountability, specifically the role of Duty Holders, the requirements of the Accountable Persons Scheme, the duties of Responsible Persons for Fire Safety, and the responsibilities of Building Inspectors and Building Control Approvers.

Dates for next month’s session are currently under review by the Department. If you wish to join the RSUA Working Group and attend this upcoming workshop, as well as future workshops, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk