Concerns over fire safety in Malahide apartments after blaze on Saturday

Serious concerns on the fire safety of Clare Village apartments on Malahide Road have been raised after a fire broke out at the complex on Saturday night.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha said that a more serious fire could break out in the future if concerns aren’t addressed.

“While the fire was brought under control by residents and the Fire Brigade and no-one was injured, it could easily have been otherwise.

The fire has exposed what I believe are serious fire safety issues,” said Mac Donncha.

“I have written to the Chief Fire Officer Dennis Keely to urge an immediate fire safety inspection of Clare Village.

“Having visited the scene of the fire and having spoken to the residents I am very concerned about fire safety in this large residential complex.

“The fire began on Saturday night in the underground car park when refuse was set alight.

“It is believed by residents that this was done by youths from outside the complex who gained access.”

Mac Donncha says that the speed of how the smoke entered many of the above apartments is concerning.

“The fire took hold quickly and flames reached as high as the doors of apartments situated above the car park.

“It is extremely concerning that smoke entered many apartments which would seem to me to show that the sealing of these apartments is inadequate.

“Of very serious concern also is the fact that the water supply to some of the fixed fire hoses was turned off and that the fire alarms were not functioning.

“Some at least of the fire extinguishers had not been checked at their due dates,” he says.

“This is a very large underground car park with spaces for hundreds of cars yet it seems to me that both fire safety and security are inadequate. Obviously the two are inextricably linked and proper staffing is essential.

“I urge that an immediate and urgent fire safety inspection is carried out at Clare Village with a view to speedy address of all issues to ensure the safety of residents and their homes.”