Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
560. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has undertaken a review of the number of apartment blocks nationally that may be affected by inadequate fire safety works within the buildings; if not, his plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17397/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra561. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the tragic deaths of persons (details supplied); if he will undertake a review of fire safety at the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17402/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra562. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to assist homeowners dealing with the costs of repairing defective homes built during the boom, such as at a location (details supplied); his plans to establish a redress scheme for persons in this situation, such as providing low cost loans to help pay for the remedial works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17403/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 560 to 562, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the tragic deaths referred to and I sympathise with the family and friends of those involved.
In relation to buildings, local authorities have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which may be relevant where fire safety concerns arise in residential developments. Fire services may inspect buildings in cases of defects or complaints in respect of fire safety. They work with building owners to ensure immediate risks are addressed, and put a plan in place for works to bring buildings into compliance. They have enforcement powers for cases where co-operation is not forthcoming, or progress cannot be made on an agreed basis.
However, in general, any such building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved: the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. It is important to note that while my Department has overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory framework for building standards and building control, it has no general statutory role in resolving defects in privately owned buildings, including dwellings, nor does it have a budget for such matters.
In the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise, it was agreed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application. In August 2017, the Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in Dwellings was published, which is intended to be used as a guide by the owners and occupants of dwellings where fire safety deficiencies have been identified, or are a cause for concern. The Framework will also be of assistance to professional advisors, both in developing strategies to improve fire safety and in developing strategies to enable continued occupation in advance of undertaking the necessary works to ensure compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. The Framework is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/framework_for_enhancing_fire_safety_in_dwellings.pdf .
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, and in recognition of fears expressed for fire safety, my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management was asked to convene a Task Force to lead a re-appraisal of our approach to fire safety in Ireland. In its report, the Task Force acknowledges the importance of fire safety in apartment buildings and makes a number of recommendations in this regard. However, a widespread assessment or inspection process was not recommended; instead the focus was placed on a review of fire detection and alarms systems and evacuation arrangements, prioritising life safety. I have tasked the Directorate's Management Board with implementation of the recommendations within its remit, and oversight of the implementation of other recommendations. The Task Force Report is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/fire_safety_in_ireland_-_report_of_the_fire_safety_task_force.pdf .
