Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Written Answers. - Stardust Inquiry Recommendation.

Ivor Callely

Question:

96 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the recommendations, if any, from the inquiry into the Stardust fire tragedy, Artane, Dublin 5; the recommendations, if any, outstanding or incomplete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3307/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The 1982 report of the Stardust Tribunal, a copy of which was placed in the Oireachtas Library, made a wide range of recommendations in relation to the fire service and other related matters. These recommendations have either been implemented or taken into account in the ongoing formulation of policy on fire safety and the development of the local authority fire services over the intervening period, with the support of successive Governments. Improvements have been carried out on a comprehensive basis, covering such areas as the financing and equipping of the local fire service, its organisation and staffing, the legislative framework, and emergency planning.

With respect to capital investment, a total of £81 million has been provided from State funds since 1981 to finance work on 92 new or reconstructed fire stations, the purchase of 316 replacement fire appliances and major improvements in telecommunications, emergency equipment and so on. As regards staffing, there were about 30 professional posts in the local fire service prior to 1982, whereas now there are 129 such posts, with a greatly increased emphasis on fire prevention and fire safety.

The Fire Services Act, 1981 strengthened the overall statutory regime for enforcing fire safety. Regulations under the Act, make the locking of exits and blocking of escape route from places of assembly an offence. Building regulations, which came into effect in June 1992, set out the requirements, including fire safety requirements, to be met in the design and construction of new buildings and material changes in existing buildings. With some limited exceptions, a fire safety certificate is now required for new buildings, extensions, and material alterations and changes of use.

A series of codes of practice and guidelines have been issued giving advice on fire safety in places of assembly, in hotels and guesthouses, in flats and apartments, and in regard to furnishings and fittings in places of assembly. Operational guidelines covering training needs, the use of breathing apparatus, the design of fire stations, etc. have also been issued to fire authorities. Work is continuing on the preparation of further advice and guidance.

Major improvements in fire service training have also taken place. For example, since it was set up in 1983 the Fire Services Council has held over 150 training courses at central level for almost 3,000 local fire service personnel, to supplement the training carried out locally by fire authorities. The need for a national training centre recommended in the report has been overtaken by events in that major training facilities for the fire service have been provided at several centres, including the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre at Marino.

The National Safety Council, established in 1988, promotes public awareness in relation to fire safety, as well as roads and water safety. Local authorities have developed plans to deal with major emergencies and my department provides extensive advice and assistance to the authorities on this matter on an ongoing basis.

Three mobilisation and communications centres to handle all fire "999" calls are being developed in Limerick, Dublin and Castlebar. The Munster system came into operation in 1993, planning for the fitting out of the control centre in Dublin is at an advanced stage, and plans for the Castlebar centre are being developed.

All the recommendations of the report have received full and careful consideration in the ongoing development of the fire service. I am satisfied that the improvements which I have outlined have significantly strengthened the capacity of the service to respond to fires and other emergencies, and in fire prevention activities.