New Minister tells councils to review fire safety at tower blocks

Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy has told local authorities to ensure early warning systems for fires are in place at all multi-storey social housing units across the State.

Mr Murphy described the fire at the Grenfell Tower in London as a “continuing tragedy”.

While there was “no known immediate cause for concern” in Ireland, he met Dublin’s chief fire officer on Friday to discuss safety issues in light of the incident.

He said local authorities should immediately ensure all alarm and detection systems and means of escape from buildings, including corridors, stairways and emergency exits, were fully functional.

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He has also asked the Residential Tenancies Board to notify all landlords of their responsibility to ensure properties fully comply with fire safety requirements.

Where social housing units were located in private complexes overseen by management companies, he asked each local authority check all the required fire safety arrangements were in place.

Meanwhile, the management board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has been asked to convene and assess the readiness of the authorities to respond to emergencies like the Grenfell Tower fire.

Mr Murphy said his Department would be in contact with all fire officers across the country in the coming days and weeks.

The Dublin Bay South TD, a key supporter of new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, was appointed Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on Wednesday. His portfolio includes responsibility for fire services and building standards.