Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Dublin Fire Brigade on its bravery, dedication and professionalism in dealing with the major fire at the Metro Hotel at Ballymun last night. It involved 11 units of the Dublin Fire Brigade and 60 firefighters. I also thank the Garda, Dublin City Council and the other first responders on the scene for the work they did. What lessons can be learned from this fire? In particular, what has happened since the horrific Grenfell Tower fire in west London? What area risk assessments have been carried out on high-rise buildings in Dublin and throughout the country since that fire?

It is my understanding that many high-rise buildings, including this hotel which is 15 storeys high, apartment blocks and nursing homes etc., have not yet been given an area risk assessment. This is very serious matter. Cladding was an issue with the Grenfell Tower tragedy but we do not yet know what the position is here yet because assessments have not been carried out in many cases. Buildings may not be conforming to regulations and units in buildings may not be self-contained. If that is the case, the advice given to residents to remain in place in buildings is completely wrong, and they should be evacuated from the building.

There are many grey areas that really need investigation. I understand there was a problem with the lift in the hotel last night, which should also be examined. We need a full investigation into the fire and a full report on the progress of risk assessments of high-rise buildings in Dublin and throughout the country. Dublin Fire Brigade is not getting the resources it needs to do its job effectively and a direct funding mechanism should be put in place for the Dublin Fire Brigade. The Dublin Fire Brigade must be allowed to continue to provide an ambulance service as well, although that matter is separate and I will come back to it.

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