Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon, has today (Thursday) said that he is pleased that the Department of Environment have agreed to a fire safety review to include Millfield in Newbridge but that support beyond the review is also needed.

“The review is a welcome step but there also needs to be commitments for further supports to address any potential deficiencies that are found as part of the review.  I have written to Minister for Environment Alan Kelly today to seek his support for any deficiencies that arise from the report.

“This review to be carried out by an independent fire safety expert, will use the recent fire at Millfield Hawthorns as a case study.  The residents in Millfield have huge concerns about their homes following the fire on 31st March 2015. Those whose houses were destroyed have lost everything, while others who remain in the estate are now afraid about the conditions of their homes.  It is a very stressful time for them.

“The review will be overseen by a Steering Group convened by Kildare County Council and is to be completed by the end of January 2016.

ENDS

Contact: Martin Heydon 087-6262546 

Notes to Editor

Fire Safety Review – Terms of Reference

Part B of the Building Regulations sets out the statutory standards of fire safety that apply when a new building is constructed in order to ensure the safety of persons in and about the building.  Compliance with the building regulations is first and foremost the responsibility of the owners, designers and builders of the building concerned.

In the interests of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise, Minister Kelly has directed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire safety expert to develop a framework for general application in such situations.

The review will –

  1. Have regard to the typical risk profile faced by residents, their visitors and fire service personnel in and about apartment developments and housing estates;
  2. Take account of normal hazards and relevant safety management arrangements as well as typical passive and active safety features;
  3. Outline general advice and guidance which can be used by owners/residents and their professional advisers, to ensure that an adequate level of safety is in place for persons in and about their development. This may include making provision for –
    1. appropriate or enhanced fire detection and alarm measures;
    2. checking that appropriate escape routes from the premises are available, designed in accordance with current standards;
    3. ensuring evacuation plans are rehearsed in each premises in the event of a fire incident.
  4. Include a case study based on the Millfield Hawthorns estate at Newbridge, Co. Kildare;
  5. Conclude at an early date, with a report to the Minister on or before 30th January 2016.

The review will be overseen by a Steering Group convened by Kildare County Council in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. 

Architecture / Building Standards Unit

Dept of the Environment, Community & Local Government 

22 July 2015