Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
199. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a fire safety audit of all buildings above 11 metres has been conducted; if so, the methodology used in the audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26218/24]
View answer200. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a fire safety audit of public buildings hospitals, schools, civic buildings, sports stadiums, and so on above 11 metres has been conducted; if so, the methodology used in the audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26219/24]
View answer201. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of buildings 11 metres or above across the State, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26220/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 199, 200 and 201 together.
Under Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts, 1981 & 2003, there is a standing obligation on the “person having control” of the premises to ensure appropriate measures for fire safety are in place at all times. In addition, the design and construction of buildings is regulated under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2020 with the primary responsibility for compliance to all aspects of the Building Regulations, including fire safety, resting with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
The person having control of a building is legally required to make provision for fire safety on the premises. The person having control should ensure at all times that necessary reasonable fire safety measures and procedures are in place. If the person having control of a building requires advice with respect to fire safety systems, they should engage the relevant competent persons. My Department has published guidance for persons with obligations under Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Act 1981 which is available at: gov.ie/en/publication/c0b05-fire-safety-guide-for-building-owners-and-operators/
The local fire authority may give advice in relation to fire safety to the owner or occupier of any premises or to any person having control over any premises.
Where necessary, a full fire safety assessment of the provisions for fire safety in the premises may be required. Guidance on fire safety assessment and suitable qualifications for those engaged by the person having control to carry out such an assessment is available in the “Code of Practice for fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings” published by this Department – available here: gov.ie/en/publication/354c8-code-of-practice-for-fire-safety-assessment-of-premises-and-buildings/
Inspection and enforcement of the provisions of the Fire Services Act and Building Regulations are functions of the 31 local authorities, who have a suite of enabling and enforcement powers under both legislative codes.
Regarding the request for the number of buildings 11 metres or above, my Department does not hold the requested information, which may be available from individual local authorities.
