asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with present fire safety standards in supermarkets in Dublin city and county; if inspections on a regular basis are implemented by the local authority under the Fire Services Act 1981; whether he is satisfied that free egress is available through emergency fire exits during trading hours; whether in view of the large numbers of the general public frequenting supermarkets he will review the fire safety position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Fire Safety Standards.
560.
Under the provisions of the Fire Services Act, 1981, the proprietors, management and other persons having control over supermarkets (in common with other premises to which the public have access) are obliged to take all reasonable measures to guard against the risk of fire and to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that people on the premises will be safe in the event of fire. Dublin Corporation is responsible for ensuring compliance with the fire safety provisions of the Act in Dublin city and county (excluding Dún Laoghaire) and has the necessary powers to inspect premises. I understand that such inspections of premises, including supermarkets, are taking place on a fairly widespread basis. Where deficiencies in fire safety standards are identified the corporation has extensive powers under the Act to ensure that they are remedied. For example, under section 20 it has the power, subject only to appeal to the District Court, to issue a fire safety notice which either permanently prohibits the use of a potentially dangerous building or prohibits its use unless or until certain specified requirements have been met.
As regards fire safety standards, I understand that most supermarkets are of fairly recent construction and have therefore been the subject of planning control which would have extended to consideration of the fire safety aspects, including emergency fire exits. Local authority statistical returns suggest that fires in shops and supermarkets represent just over 1 per cent of fire calls in the Dublin area and I have no reason to believe that there are any special problems in relation to fire safety in these premises. At this stage my Department and the Fire Services Council are giving priority to regulations and a code of practice relating to fire safety in places of public assembly but I have asked the Fire Services Council to report to me on the need for and priority to be afforded to similar measures relating to fire safety in other types of premises covered by the 1981 Act.
I might add that the Fire Prevention Council conducts publicity campaigns and seminars aimed at heightening public awareness of fire risks and is at present preparing two fire safety leaflets relating to retail premises. Such work is invaluable in educating both the general public and the management of trading premises on measures to be taken to guard against the outbreak of fire.