The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Fire risk review of council properties
IN the wake of the Grenfell fire disaster in London, Kerry County Council is to carry out an audit of fire safety measures in social housing units across the county.
In one of his first acts as the new Housing and Local Government Minister, Eoghan Murphy has ordered that all local authorities urgently review any multi-storey social housing units in their areas to ensure that early warning systems – including alarm and detection systems and means of escape including corridors, stairways and emergency exists – are fully functional and in place.
While the order is primarily focused on multi storey units – of which there are relatively few in Kerry – an examination of fire prevention and safety measures in council houses is also to be carried out as part of the review.
While Kerry County Council does not own many apartment units, many council tenants are currently living in apartment units that were provided to them through the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and other similar social housing programmes.
Mr Murphy said one of his first priorities has been “to take immediate action to ensure life safety for all citizens living in flats and apartments in Ireland.”
On Tuesday, Kerry County Council Representatives met with members of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management to discuss how the review can best be carried out.
A spokesman for Kerry County Council said the public can expect more details on the review and on the directions from the Department on this matter in the near future.
Meanwhile, the Kerry community in London has been praised for its response to the Grenfell tragedy which has claimed at least 79 lives.
Londoner Trisha Madden – whose family is from Ballydonoghue – said she has been inundated with supplies and help since she began a collection to help the victims. She said the Kerry community had been extremely helpful and generous.