Engineers raise concerns about FBIS checklist

Chartered engineers who have taken on projects under Tier II of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS) have highlighted concerns with a new checklist sent to them by DAERA for sign-off once the project is complete.

A number of projects under the first tranche of the scheme are now well advanced, and potentially eligible for 40% grant worth up to £250,000.

When it comes to claiming this grant, farmers must provide DAERA with a document signed by their engineer to certify that all construction works associated with their project have been designed and built to the relevant standards.

Engineers spoken to by the Irish Farmers Journal point out that this checklist has come late in the day and that they were not properly consulted about the content.

It covers issues such as CE marking of steel, that timber has been treated in accordance with the relevant standards and metal sheeting meets a minimum grade. However, it also requires engineers to sign off that appropriate animal welfare recommendations have been met (to include space allowances) and that all requirements have been met with throughout the project, including those specified by the NI Environment Agency (NIEA).

There is also confirmation required from the chartered engineer that the construction (design and management) regulations (NI) 2016 were adhered to for the construction of the whole project.

Usual practice

Usual practice is that this is something for the principal contractor, not an engineer.

According to one local engineer, there are many other points that have raised concerns and queries.

He maintained that if an engineer was to conduct all these checks it would involve a huge time commitment, ultimately to be paid for by the farmer.

“In my opinion, it is way beyond what any of us can sign up to. Our work covers the legislation around the structure of buildings.

“We only received the engineer’s checklist in the last couple of weeks, although we did have concerns prior to this. After consultation with our insurers, we cannot sign it in its current format.”

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