Construction

Building lobbyist’s head of ESG: Dublin City Council has it wrong on demolition rules

PJ Ryan of the Construction Industry Federation has said measures in Ireland prevent the sector from maximising re-use of materials

PJ Ryan, head of ESG at the Construction Industry Federation, says more ‘nuanced’ regulations are required than those currently in operation. Picture: Fergal Phillips

New rules aimed at curtailing developers from demolishing buildings and encouraging retrofitting lack “nuance” that would genuinely support sustainable development, according to the head of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) at the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).

Dublin City Council has started to block developers from knocking down old buildings and indicated significant justification is now required for demolition.

The local authority has said its “clear preference” is for large structures to be retrofitted due to ...