Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1992. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will report on the fire safety report on timber dwellings commissioned by the previous Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly; when this report will be brought before Dáil Éireann; the reason it has taken over two years to publish this report; the report's main findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37547/17]
View answerIn 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. A Steering Group was convened to oversee the review.
The terms of reference of the Steering Group included the following: -
- Have regard to the typical risk profile faced by residents, their visitors and fire service personnel in and about apartment developments and housing estates;
- Take account of normal hazards and relevant safety management arrangements as well as typical passive and active safety features;
- Outline general advice and guidance which can be used by owners/residents and their professional advisers, to ensure that an adequate level of safety is in place for persons in and about their development. This may include making provision for - appropriate or enhanced fire detection and alarm measures; checking that appropriate escape routes from the premises are available, designed in accordance with current standards; ensuring evacuation plans are rehearsed in each premises in the event of a fire incident;
- Include a case study based on the Millfield estate at Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
The independent fire safety expert has completed his review and two reports have been received by my Department from the Steering Group. These are a 'Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in dwellings where concerns arise' and a 'Case Study'. It was necessary to obtain and consider legal advice in relation to the reports; based on the legal advice received, it was not possible to publish the Case Study; however, the Framework was published on 25 August 2017.
The Framework contains the following:
- an explanation of the statutory provisions in respect of fire safety, namely the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014 and the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, and the respective responsibilities of owners, designers, builders, occupants, local authorities;
- a range of actions that may reduce risk and improve the level of fire safety where deficiencies arise in dwelling houses, apartments and /or the common areas of apartment buildings; and
- a fire risk assessment methodology for professional advisors to prioritise the remedial actions, if any, that may need to be carried out on a dwelling.
The Framework is intended to be used as guide by the owners and occupants of dwellings where fire safety deficiencies have been identified, or are a cause for concern. In addition to owners and occupants, the Framework will also be of assistance to professional advisors both in developing strategies to improve fire safety and in developing strategies to enable the continued occupation in advance of undertaking the necessary works to ensure compliance with the relevant Building Regulations.
The applicability of the advice and guidance in the 'Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in dwellings where concerns arise' is being considered by the recently formed Fire Safety Task Force in the context of its work on the appraisal of existing arrangements and systems for Fire Safety.
