Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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170. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation involving a building (details supplied) in County Clare; if he or his Department have investigated the circumstances surrounding the building's fire safety compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8317/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Local authorities have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Safety Act 1981, the Building Control Act 1990 and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which may be relevant in relation to fire safety arrangements in commercial buildings.

Compliance with the statutory requirements that apply to a building, or works in relation to a building, is first and foremost a matter for the owners, designers and builders concerned. I understand that Clare County Council in its capacity as Fire Authority is proactively engaging with the owners of the units in this multi-unit complex to resolve a number of problems that have been identified. I would advise all owners to cooperate with the Fire Authority in carrying out its statutory role.

Neither I nor my Department have any function in assessing, checking or testing compliance, or otherwise, of specific works or developments, nor can I or my Department influence or interfere in the handling of specific cases by local authorities who are at all times independent in the use of their statutory powers.