asked the Minister for Local Government if there is any extra fire hazard attached to certain types of low-cost housing being recommended by his Department; and if so, if he will advise local authorities of the type of housing involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - House Fire Hazards.
30.
Every type of dwelling which is accepted by me under the guaranteed order project must comply with the standards set out in an outline performance specification. This lays down minimum standards of accommodation and provides that pending the issue of the new Irish building regulations the house types (unless specifically approved by my Department) must comply with the general or "deemed to satisfy" clauses of relevant parts of the Building Regulations, 1965, which apply to England and Wales.
The actual degree of fire hazard as respects any house type would depend on many factors, including the form of construction, the layout and density of dwellings, location of site, adequacy and availability of water supply. In general, lighter forms of non-traditional construction require a greater degree than average of fire precautions. In the case of dwellings of timber construction, for instance, there are additional requirements which include compliance with a special memorandum (H.A.10) issued by my Department in relation to timber housing. In a number of cases where unusual types of houses have been offered, prototypes are being built which will be the subject of consultations with all the interests involved, including fire advisory personnel.