Menu
03/07/2024
New Defective Premises Bill To Protect NI Homeowners
A new Defective Premises Bill to give NI homeowners the same protections as those in England and Wales, has been introduced by Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons.
The Bill establishes a retrospective period of up to 30 years and a prospective period of up to 15 years in which a party can take action on defective premises.
After passing its final stage in the Assembly, the Bill will become law once it receives Royal Assent.
Minister Lyons said: "In March, I outlined my intention to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity to address the disparity which existed in relation to defective buildings. I am pleased to welcome the Assembly voting this Bill through its final stage, less than four months later.
"I commend the collective effort which has carried this Bill through. This includes input from my Executive colleagues, the Committee for Communities and all those who made contributions from across the Assembly chamber as the Bill progressed through the various stages.
"This is an example of the Executive and the Assembly delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.
"The ultimate driver for this Bill is my firm belief in the principle that our citizens should have the same legal protections in respect of defective premises as their counterparts elsewhere in the United Kingdom."
The Minister also spoke about the ongoing work of his Department in relation to residential building safety.
He said: "This Bill is an important first stage of a substantive piece of work to create a new residential building safety environment in Northern Ireland. It is important to note that this legislation is only a small part of a much wider suite of legislation that my officials are currently working on that will further strengthen and support the important protections provided by this Bill.
"My officials will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders on the much larger body of work associated with residential building safety."
The Bill establishes a retrospective period of up to 30 years and a prospective period of up to 15 years in which a party can take action on defective premises.
After passing its final stage in the Assembly, the Bill will become law once it receives Royal Assent.
Minister Lyons said: "In March, I outlined my intention to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity to address the disparity which existed in relation to defective buildings. I am pleased to welcome the Assembly voting this Bill through its final stage, less than four months later.
"I commend the collective effort which has carried this Bill through. This includes input from my Executive colleagues, the Committee for Communities and all those who made contributions from across the Assembly chamber as the Bill progressed through the various stages.
"This is an example of the Executive and the Assembly delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.
"The ultimate driver for this Bill is my firm belief in the principle that our citizens should have the same legal protections in respect of defective premises as their counterparts elsewhere in the United Kingdom."
The Minister also spoke about the ongoing work of his Department in relation to residential building safety.
He said: "This Bill is an important first stage of a substantive piece of work to create a new residential building safety environment in Northern Ireland. It is important to note that this legislation is only a small part of a much wider suite of legislation that my officials are currently working on that will further strengthen and support the important protections provided by this Bill.
"My officials will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders on the much larger body of work associated with residential building safety."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
15 April 2009
Taxi Operators 'Could Do Better', Says Minister
The majority of taxis and their drivers are meeting their legal requirements, a Driver & Vehicle Agency survey has revealed. NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson (pictured) welcomed the results of a 2008 survey – the first of its kind in the British Isles - which showed over three quarters of the fleet are complying with the law.
Taxi Operators 'Could Do Better', Says Minister
The majority of taxis and their drivers are meeting their legal requirements, a Driver & Vehicle Agency survey has revealed. NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson (pictured) welcomed the results of a 2008 survey – the first of its kind in the British Isles - which showed over three quarters of the fleet are complying with the law.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
