asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the danger caused to children by the open balconies of high level flats at Ballymun, Dublin; and if he will require the National Building Agency to take steps to make these balconies safe.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballymun Flats Balconies.
11.
I do not regard the balconies in the Ballymun flats as being inferior in safety standards to those in any of the other housing estates of Dublin Corporation or abroad, and accordingly I do not propose to seek to have them altered. I am informed that, in fact, the design of these balconies had particular regard to safety factors. Whether families with children should be housed in high level flats is a different matter but I understand that the decision of the Corporation to do so is of quite recent origin. I can appreciate that some families with children might be more concerned than others with relative height wherever the flats may be located, but this is a matter for the consideration of the housing authority by whose decision such families are rehoused.
If the Corporation should decide that these balconies should be screened they can, of course, do so.
I would ask the Minister if he has inspected those buildings?
Yes.
Therefore, the Minister knows what I am talking about. If the Minister is so aware, is he conscious of the fact that when one alights from the lift in the eight-storey building, there is to the right a very low wall, not more than a couple of feet high, and at most three feet high, and that beyond that there is a clear drop? Can he be satisfied in his mind that this kind of design, which is not to be found elsewhere in Dublin, and therefore he cannot have experience of or be familiar with such buildings, is satisfactory from his own point of view, first of all, as being the principal authority responsible for the National Building Agency? Further, will he look at this matter again as one of urgency in view of the fact that a large number of public representatives are fearful of what may occur in the light of the fact that we are now in a position to take some steps at least to prevent the possibility of unfortunate accidents which might even apply to adults, not alone to children, in the future? Would he have another look at this matter?
This question dealt with balconies. Deputy Dunne now seems to have something internal in mind. Is this something internal?
No, it is not. The word balcony must surely apply to any particular part of the building where it is possible to look out with ease on the rest of the surrounding countryside. That is what I am talking about. It is to the right of the lift as you alight on those floors. I am not specifically referring to balconies which are outside the flats themselves. The balconies I refer to are what may be called the lobbies or landings.
I was thinking of balconies attached to the flats. If there is something else, I will have to examine it. The opinion is that they are of the same standard of safety at least as other flats and whilst it is not impossible for accidents to take place, my belief is that they are no more likely to take place here than anywhere else. However, I will have a look at this again.
It is a very serious matter.
This matter has been debated sufficiently. The Deputy has put four supplementaries.
May I just ask the Minister to clarify this?
I am calling Question No. 12, in the names of Deputy Mullen and Deputy Cluskey.
Am I being refused?
Yes. The Deputy has asked sufficient supplementaries already.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to raise this on the Adjournment and we will have more time then.
I will communicate with the Deputy.