Minister Kelly Announces Review Of Fire Safety Compliance

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, has announced a review to address concerns of non-compliance with Fire Safety Requirements in residential developments.

The review will be led by a Steering Group chaired Mr Martin Riordan, formerly Manager of Cork County Council, and including representatives of Kildare County Council and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Steering Group will be assisted by an independent fire safety expert.

The review will -

• Have regard to the typical risk profile faced by residents, their visitors and fire service personnel in and about apartment developments and housing estates;

• Take account of normal hazards and relevant safety management arrangements as well as typical passive and active safety features;

• Outline general advice and guidance which can be used by owners/residents and their professional advisers, to ensure that an adequate level of safety is in place for persons in and about their development. This may include making provision for - a. appropriate or enhanced fire detection and alarm measures; b. checking that appropriate escape routes from the premises are available, designed in accordance with current standards; c. ensuring evacuation plans are rehearsed in each premises in the event of a fire incident.

• Include a case study based on the Millfield Hawthorns estate at Newbridge, Co. Kildare; 5. Conclude at an early date, with a report to the Minister on or before 30 January 2016.

Minister Kelly said: "I am acutely aware of the stressful and distressing situation facing homeowner, such as those in Millfield Estate in Newbridge, who simply do not know whether the home they live in is safe and secure from the risk of fire.

"I believe an independent study outlining how such problems can be addressed will be of immense value and support to residents in developments where such problems currently exist or may arise in the future. What is needed is a practical way forward for local authorities, residents associations and individual homeowners in such situations to properly assess the risks and put in place practical and sensible measures to address these risks. We need to replace fear and confusion with clarity and certainty and create an environment where positive action can be taken to minimise risks."

(MH/LM)