Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015
629. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if financial assistance is available to facilitate necessary fire prevention measures in the case of a community centre (details supplied) in County Kildare which requires immediate compulsory upgrading and restructuring of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26191/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart B (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document B, sets down clearly the statutory minimum standards of fire safety provision which must be achieved when a new building is designed and constructed or when an existing building is subject to works involving an extension or a material alteration.
A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is also required before construction work commences and it may be illegal to operate a building without having a valid fire safety certificate in place where one is required. In addition, section 18(2) of the Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended) imposes a duty on the persons in control of a premises to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of a potential outbreak of fire. Where the Fire Authority (in this case Kildare County Council) has concerns regarding the fire safety arrangements of a building, it may require the owner to carry out a fire safety assessment of the premises.
Building owners, in this case the directors or trustees of the community organisation concerned, are responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory requirements in relation to fire safety and, beyond statutory requirements, have a general duty of care in relation to the safety of persons in or around their property.
My Department does not provide financial assistance along the lines suggested.
