NEW guidelines to protect public sector bodies in insurance matters were criticised by Mr David Keane, president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RII).
Speaking at the opening of art Irish architecture exhibition in Dublin, Mr Keane said the guidelines meant that in order for an architectural practice to be appointed to a public sector project it needed professional indemnity insurance cover of £2 million. This cover would remain for 10 years after the practice's appointment to such a project.
He called the new guidelines "totally unrealistic" saying they would deprive Irish practices of the opportunity to work on public sector projects in this State.
The RIAI, which provides indemnity for most of the State's architects, has had over 20 complaints from practices about these guidelines. "We are calling on the Government to deal with this matter as a matter of urgency," said Mr Keane.
The exhibition, entitled "Building on the Edge of Europe", traces the evolution of Irish architecture from the dolmen to the present. It will run until October 1st at the Architecture Centre, 8 Merrion Square, Dublin.