Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Martin Cooney, Partner and Head of the Byrne Wallace LLP Construction Law Team

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Heath Effects from Dwellings with Pyrite and Mica

• What is Pyrite and Mica?
• What are the hazards from dwellings affected by Pyrite & Mica?
• Effects on indoor air quality & comfort
• The safety of modern construction materials used for repairs and improvements.

Victor Hrymak, Lecturer in Environmental Health and Safety, Technological University Dublin

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Fire Safety and Remediation Measures – Common Faults and Solutions

• Common faults and solutions
• Intumescent paint systems
• Plasterboard wall systems

Eanna O Tuama, Associate & Dublin Branch Manager, Affinity Fire Engineering

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The Art of Inspection

• Theory of inspection and Approach to inspections
• It is more than on-site inspection – visit the manufactures of key elements and what to look out for
• Proactive v Reactive and taking action
• Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Building Works
• Inspection plans – under building control system
• Your role in inspections – designers, client representatives, assigned certifiers, contactors, clerk of works and building control staff
• Handling communications – what are the key rules?

John O Connor, Chair, Housing Commission

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Part L&F Building Control – Common Compliance Challenges That lead to Defects

Part L (Domestic)

• - Minimum Design Parameters (Fabric, Ventilation, Space and Water Heating, Renewables, Thermal Bridging, etc.)
• - Path to achieving Compliance
• - Major Renovations
• - Examples
• - Transitional Arrangements

Part F

• - Part F: A glimpse of what is to come, discussion on proposed new Part F.
• - Part F: Ventilation and airtight buildings.
• - Part F: Ventilation Design for commercial buildings.
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Archie O'Donnell, BSc(Hons) CABE RIAI(tech) BREEAM AP, Registered Building Surveyor, Environmental Manager i3PT

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Defects: A Major Cause of Construction Litigation

• Installing products and materials incorrectly
• Incorrect water-to-cement ratio
• Improper plumbing
• Poor concrete compaction
• Which lead to:
• o Corrosion
• o Moulding
• o Damaged electrical wiring
• o Loss of water through evaporation
• o Cracks in foundation and walls
• o Leaking roofs

Bruno Herbots, Partner, Herbots Solicitors

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Defects Claims Handling: Allegations, Defences and Proving your Case

• Defects claims in construction
• Types of defects claims
• Breach of construction contract
• Defects liability period
• Negligence
• Third party claims—collateral warranties and third-party rights
• Causation and burden of proof
• Rights and remedies
• Contractual rights and damages
• Mitigation and betterment issues
• Limitation periods
• Contractual or agreed limits on liability

Conor Duff, BL, The Law Library

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Latent and patent defects, and the defects notification period

• What is a latent and patent defect?
• The RIAI form and the PWC forms compared
• Defects notification period
• Pursuing latent defects after the defects notification period
• Contracts and collateral warranties under seal
• Subcontractor liability
• Damages for latent defects, and alternatives

Robert Rooney, Senior Associate, Mason Hayes and Curran

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The who, what and why of defects insurance

• Who is a latent defect policy for?
• What does a policy include?
• Why do you need a latent defects policy?

Damian Kilpatrick, Managing Director, Commercial Risk Solutions, Aon

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