Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are provisions in the Planning Act that address first floor fire exits in domestic dwelling houses or if there are any plans to include a provision in the future in order that first floor exits can be installed to enable persons with limited mobility to leave the house safely in the event of a fire on the ground floor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5924/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Part B (Fire Safety) of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations provides for the means of escape in case of fire in buildings. In particular, the requirement at B1 states: "A building shall be so designed and constructed that there are adequate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building, capable of being safely and effectively used." Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part B.

Part B/TGD B does not currently require first floor fire exits in domestic dwelling houses to enable persons with limited mobility to leave the house safely in the event of a fire on the ground floor. The provisions for fire safety in relation to people with disabilities in dwellings will be considered in the context of the next review of Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations.