Social Democrats spokesperson on Building Standards Councillor Cian O’Callaghan said:

“The news that the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála seeking to be relieved of fire safety requirements is very alarming. The Board is asking for permission to drop a water-sprinkler system as well as 60 minute fire resistance in the glazed components of the atrium from their plans. Cutting corners when it comes to fire safety is the wrong approach.

“Following the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower no-one should be in doubt about the importance of a sprinkler system in buildings of this scale. There are a number of challenges in terms of evacuating patients safely in a hospital in the event of an outbreak of fire – especially if a fire breaks out at night time when patients are asleep. A sprinkler system and 60 minute fire resistance requirement are sensible measures that could ultimately save lives.

“Ireland has a poor track record in construction standards meeting fire safety standards in recent years and a shamefully weak record of enforcement. I’m calling of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to withdraw their application for a derogation of these fire safety requirements. It’s important that the board shows leadership. ”

ENDS

22nd October 2017

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