Fire Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Questions (34)

Clare Daly

Question:

34. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to expedite the publication of his department's report into the fire at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2015; if his department has responded to a written request for same from a group of Kildare county councillors; the outstanding concerns preventing the publication of the report; and the timeframe for the publication of same. [33103/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

In July 2015, the then Minister directed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application, in the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise. It should be noted this was not intended as a report into the fire itself as suggested in the Question. A steering group was convened to oversee the review in September 2015.

The independent fire safety expert has completed his review and a report on the matter has been received by my Department. Legal clarification was required in relation to a number of issues, these are currently being addressed. I intend to make arrangements for the publication of the framework, as soon as these have been resolved.

My Department has responded to the letter from Kildare County Councillors keeping them informed of the situation, as above.