Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Doolan-Council must match action with words

Published: 29 October, 2005

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment & Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, today called on, "Dublin City Council officials to match action with their promises & carry out all necessary work to ensure Ross Rd, Nicholas St & Bride St residents no longer live in fear for their lives."

Speaking in Dublin today, Cllr. Doolan said:

"I welcome yesterday's commitment from Council officials to carry out a fire safety audit of the flat complex. But this promise must not be used as a further excuse to stall or walk from their responsibility to carry out all necessary work. This audit must be carried out as a matter of urgency and a meeting with residents must take place as soon as possible and a programme of works agreed on.

"These flats must be brought up to meet international standards in fire safety. I was shocked to hear that following the tragedy fire on the Ross Road in 2001, where 2 children were killed, promises were made by City Council to upgrade the fire standards in these flats. Yet, to date it appears that none of these life saving promises have been kept. These serious allegations extend to smoke alarms fitted incorrectly, no fire training has been provided to residents and most shocking of all even the fire doors are counterfeit.

"I have contacted senior City officials & the Minister for Environment Dick Roche raising these serious concerns and calling for immediate action. Residents are committed to taking all action necessary to have their case heard and actions taken to prevent any more deaths in this community."

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan, called on City Council, "to extend the audit to all flats complexes as I fear that many other 100's of flats fail to meet with fire regulations. It is only with a thorough city wide audit can we be confident that tenants lives are fully protected."