Effective from 2 October 2025
The Irish Inflatable Hirers Federation (IIHF) wishes to inform all members and the wider inflatable hire industry that new national legislation governing the operation of inflatables and fairground equipment is now in force.
⚖️ Legal Commencement
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Commencement) (No. 4) Order 2025 (S.I. No. 452 of 2025), signed by Minister James Browne and published in Iris Oifigiúil on 3 October 2025, formally brought into effect Part 16 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 and the Planning and Development (Funfairs and Fairground Equipment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 457 of 2025).
This means that, from 2 October 2025, it is a legal offence to hire out, operate, or make available for public use any inflatable or other fairground equipment without a valid Certificate of Safety.
🧾 What the Law Requires
- Inflatables are now defined as “fairground equipment.” Regulation 15(2) of S.I. 457/2025 confirms that all inflatable play equipment — including bouncy castles, obstacle courses, and slides — are legally recognised as fairground equipment under Part 16 of the Act.
- Every inflatable must have a valid Certificate of Safety. Section 487 of the Act provides that no inflatable or fairground equipment may be made available for use by the public without a current Certificate of Safety issued by a suitably-qualified individual.
- Certificates are valid for 12 months. Regulation 12 of S.I. 457/2025 sets a maximum validity period of 12 months (or less if specified by the tester).
- Certificates must be displayed. Each inflatable must display a Certificate of Safety Disc at the entrance — clearly visible to users and customers.
- Only suitably-qualified individuals may issue certificates. The law recognises two qualification routes:
- Chartered/Associate Engineers (Level 8+ qualification); or
- Experienced and trained inflatable inspectors (Level 5+ or 5+ years’ relevant experience, PAT training, and insurance). This ensures competent testing for both mechanical funfair rides and inflatables.
- Local authorities have new enforcement powers. Councils and Gardaí can now inspect sites, demand documentation, and issue cease operation notices for un-certified or non-compliant equipment.
- Old regulations repealed. The 2003 and 2007 Certification Regulations have been revoked. All existing certificates remain valid until expiry but must transition to the new system thereafter.
🟩 What This Means for IIHF Members
- All inflatables listed under the IIHF / Arachas insurance scheme must hold valid 12-month safety certificates under the new law.
- The IIHF’s list of approved testers remains valid and will be expanded to include inspectors meeting the new “suitably-qualified” definition.
- Members should ensure certificates and renewals are scheduled before expiry.
- The IIHF will liaise directly with the Department and local authorities to ensure consistent enforcement and recognition of qualified inflatable testers.
🟦 Next Steps
The IIHF will:
- Engage with Government officials to ensure that public information campaigns emphasise the importance of hiring from legal, insured, and certified operators..
- Publish a list of recognised suitably-qualified inflatable inspectors once official criteria are confirmed.
📢 Message to the Public
From 2 October 2025, it is against the law to hire or use an inflatable that does not have a valid safety certificate.
Parents, schools, and community groups are urged to book only with IIHF-insured operators and to ask to see the inflatable’s safety certificate before use.
📄 Further Information
- Commencement Order: S.I. No. 452 of 2025
- Funfair & Fairground Equipment Regulations 2025: S.I. No. 457 of 2025
- Department Circular 05/2025: Partial Commencement of Part 16 – Funfairs and Fairground Equipment
For advice or assistance, contact:
📧 info@iihf.ie 📞 086 686 7514
