MLA seeking probe into cladding after estate blaze

AN Assembly Member has called for an immediate investigation into the safety of plastic cladding on a number of homes in Dundrum which were engulfed in flames on Christmas Eve.

One house was destroyed and several were damaged in the fire.

The blaze spread to eight properties and several oil tanks.

The DUP’s Jim Wells demanded an investigation into the cladding after he visited the estate.

He said: “Having witnessed the extent of the damage caused by the fire, I am calling upon Newry, Mourne and Down Council to carry out an urgent assessment of the safety risks posed by the plastic cladding on 50 of the houses.”

He also backed calls for all councils to carry out assessments to establish if other areas have similar cladding.

He added: “It is very clear that the reason why the fire spread so quickly was that the plastic cladding is very inflammable and this enabled the flames to spread quickly from house to house.

“It was very noticeable that the one house which didn’t have the cladding was largely untouched, whilst all those around it were badly damaged.

“Recent events in London have shown just how dangerous cladding can be and the building control department of Newry, Mourne and Down Council must act immediately to test, and if necessary, remove it.”