Council hears of buildings without fire escapes

Fire safety concerns were raised at a recent meeting of the Bailieborough Cootehill Municipal District.

Raising the motion, Cllr Carmel Brady stated “families and children are living in the town here and there are no fire escapes to get out of their apartment”.

She made reference to one family in particular who have a fire escape which leads from their apartment down onto the roof of a 16 foot building.

They have no way of descending off the roof.

“Can someone point me to where regulations are done.”

Supporting the motion, Sinn Féin Councillor Paddy McDonald told the meeting the issue had been brought to his attention before and discovered there is nobody responsible for ensuring older buildings are equipped with the appropriate fire escapes.

“They have to do it for themselves,” he lamented.

He also explained there is a procedure in place for newer buildings.

Fine Gael's Cllr Val Smith chimed in stating he also had concerns regarding fire escapes, highlighting landlords should be forced to ensure an appropriate fire escape option is in place before renting out their building.

“He’s getting the money sent monthly into his bank account,” said Cllr Smith.

Fianna Fáil's Cllr Clifford Kelly was of the same opinion: “We need to make sure buildings which are rented out to people are safe if a fire did start.”

In response, Senior Executive Alan Lyons said he would revert back to the group once he received more information.