Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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1465. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide funds available to complete a safety assessment of the remaining houses in the fire-stricken Millfield Estate, Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will provide grant aid for remedial work that may be deemed necessary in order that householders may be secure and safe in their homes. [31670/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Kildare County Council is liaising with the Millfield Hawthorns Representative Group on an ongoing basis in an effort to be of support and assistance to residents at this difficult time. Part B of the Building Regulations sets out the statutory standards of fire safety that apply when a new building is constructed in order to ensure the safety of persons in and about the building. Compliance with the building regulations is first and foremost the responsibility of the owners, designers and builders of the building concerned.

My colleague Minister Alan Kelly, has announced that, in the interests of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise, a review is to be undertaken by an independent fire safety expert to develop a framework for general application in such situations.

I understand that the review will -

1.Have regard to the typical risk profile faced by residents, their visitors and fire service personnel in and about apartment developments and housing estates;

2. Take account of normal hazards and relevant safety management arrangements as well as typical passive and active safety features;

3. Outline general advice and guidance which can be used by owners/residents and their professional advisers, to ensure that an adequate level of safety is in place for persons in and about their development. This may include making provision for -

a.appropriate or enhanced fire detection and alarm measures;

b. checking that appropriate escape routes from the premises are available, designed in accordance with current standards;

c. ensuring evacuation plans are rehearsed in each premises in the event of a fire incident.

4.Include a case study based on the Millfield Hawthorns estate at Newbridge, Co. Kildare;

5. Conclude at an early date, with a report to the Minister on or before 30th January 2016.

The review will be overseen by a Steering Group convened by Kildare County Council in conjunction with my Department. Mr Martin Riordan, formerly Manager of Cork County Council, has agreed to chair the Steering Group and I understand that its first meeting has been arranged to take place this week.

In relation to the question of grant aid to homeowners in Millfield Estate for remedial works to their homes, the position is that no such scheme of grant aid currently exists or is under consideration by my Department.