Dear IIHF Members,
We are pleased to share an important legislative update that reflects a significant milestone for our industry. The Planning and Development Act 2024 (“the Act”) was signed into law by President Higgins on 17 October 2024, introducing critical regulations for the inflatable hire sector in Ireland.
New Legal Requirements for Inflatable Safety
Under the Act’s Fairground section regulations, it will soon be illegal to hire out inflatables without a valid safety certificate. This applies to:
- Hiring out inflatables for public events or any public place.
- Hiring inflatables to households.
A safety certificate must be issued by a suitably qualified individual. The IIHF will release an official definition of this term, which we will share with you shortly.
Implementation Timeline
While the legislation has been enacted, the regulations are currently in the drafting stage. Once finalized and legally approved, a commencement order will be issued to bring the law into force. Although no fixed timeline is available, it is expected but not certain that the regulations will take effect before St. Patrick’s Day 2025.
Preparing for Compliance
As an IIHF member, you already understand the importance of safety certification, which has always been a core requirement of your insurance. Now is the time for all inflatable hire companies across the Republic of Ireland to ensure their safety compliance is up to date. This new legal framework represents a positive step forward in safeguarding inflatable users and promoting best practices within the industry.
Stay Informed
The IIHF will provide further information and explanations regarding the new regulations as they become available. We remain committed to supporting our members through this transition and beyond.
Contact the IIHF
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the inflatable hire industry in Ireland, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!