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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Nov 1981

Vol. 330 No. 9

Written Answers. - Fire Brigades Act.

533.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that Westmeath County Council failed in their efforts to have a company prosecuted under the Fire Brigades Act, 1940; and if local authorities require additional powers in this area.

I am aware that Westmeath County Council served fire precautions notices in respect of the premises referred to by the Deputy. I am informed that one notice specified requirements as to the walls and roof of the premises and an appeal was annulled by the District Court on the grounds that requirements of the notice were unreasonable. It appears that another notice specified requirments as to the roof but was annualled on appeal because work meeting the requirments of the notice had been undertaken before the case was heard. I understand from Westmeath County Council that the premises is no longer considered by them to be a fire hazard.

While the outcome of this case appears to have been satisfactory, I accept that there is a need generally to update and strengthen the legislation governing fire safety matters. This is one of the primary purposes of the Fire Services Bill, 1981, which was restored to the Dáil Order Paper on 21 October last.

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