DEAR SIR:

Further to your article in the Irish Farmers Journal dated 28 January, we at The Irish Association of Steel Fabricators (www.irishsteel.com) would confirm that this is not just an isolated incident in Dungarvan, Waterford, or Cork and Kerry. It is countrywide.

We receive calls on a now daily basis of rogue fabricators who, as you pointed out, take deposits from farmers and the general public for steel buildings and in many cases they never hear from said fabricator again.

What is even worse is that in many situations the fabricator erects the building and it is not in compliance with regulations and the end user is then left with seven tonnes of steel that is not fit for purpose – it is liable to collapse with heavy snow or if the tractor accidently hits the pillar, the rafter ends up falling down.

As you pointed out, the fabricator should have the structure CE-marked and it is a criminal offence to put a structure on to the market without CE-markings.

Many of the fabricators in the Republic of Ireland now have this in place.

It gets even more difficult when farmers purchase buildings from outside the State – they have little or no comeback on the shed if it is not to a standard. It must also be stated if a farmer purchases a shed that has no CE-marking as of July 2014, they are obliged to inform their insurance company as that shed does not comply with building regulations.

CE-markings ensure that the fabricator knows where their steel comes from, they are using the correct gas and wire to weld with, their welding plant is calibrated and works correctly, their welding operatives have training and welding procedures in place and all structural bolts are 8.8 and CE marked. There are no shortcuts with a CE-marked building.

The Department of Agriculture issued guidance in S101 and this should be adhered to for quality and design, whether it’s a grant-aided building or not.

We advise anyone purchasing a shed to thoroughly check out the fabricator, ask for references, ask to see their CE certification and do not give more than a 20% deposit. Agree a cashflow programme ie 20% deposit, 30% when the steel is standing, 30% on confirmation that sheeting is ordered and the balance of 20% on completion.

For reference, on our website, we list many fabricators who have the CE mark. If seeking elsewhere, ask to see a copy of their CE and if farmers have any questions or queries they can contact us directly and there is no charge.

These rogue traders need to be put out of business. The steel industry in Ireland is small and if we can help the victims in any way, please contact us.