asked the Minister for Local Government if he has considered whether it is desirable to hold an inquiry into the recent fire which destroyed St. Michael's Catholic Church, Dún Laoghaire, in order to allay public concern about the adequacy of the fire services in Dún Laoghaire, including the frequency of fire prevention drill and other necessary precautions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inquiry into Dún Laoghaire Church Fire.
6.
The circumstances of this fire have been fully investigated by my Department's Fire Adviser and I consider, as a result of his report, that the holding of an inquiry is not called for. While I am satisfied that the fire brigade is efficient and that its equipment and training are adequate, I propose to make recommendations for the improvement in some minor detail of its arrangements for mobilising firemen who are off-duty and for the calling in of outside assistance in appropriate cases. The report discloses that the flow from some of the hydrants in the vicinity of the church was inadequate for fighting a fire of such magnitude and accordingly I am asking the corporation to examine the flow from all hydrants in the area with a view to improvement where necessary. I am satisfied from the report that, because the fire had obtained such a grip by the time the brigade was called, the main building could not have been saved however good the flow of water from the hydrants had been.
In view of the public concern at the way at which this fire spread, although it occurred in day-time, and the possibility of serious consequences if a fire occurred in occupied buildings in Dún Laoghaire, would the Minister consider publishing the findings? Would he also make public whatever recommendations he has made to Dún Laoghaire Corporation with a view to improving fire fighting services there?
I shall consider that.