Remedial works to be carried out in Verdemont

REMEDIAL work is to be carried out in Verdemont apartments in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, to ensure the buildings comply with fire regulations, owners and residents confirmed at an EGM last week.

Dozens of residents were left temporarily homeless last year when a fire caused extensive damage.

A spokesperson for the owners said concerns arose regarding the standard of construction during repairs carried out to the Green Briar block following the fire.

The owners directed preliminary investigation of other blocks within the complex, which identified similar issues with the standard of construction.

 “We are committed to ensuring our properties comply with building regulations relating to fire containment and when the concerns arose we immediately commissioned experts to carry out a review of the buildings,” the spokesperson said.

“They have confirmed that the buildings checked failed to meet the requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations, which relate to the ‘compartmentalisation’ of individual apartments to prevent a fire spreading quickly.”

 An accurate assessment is now in train to establish the full extent of the problem, the remedial work required and the costs involved to ensure the complex is fully compliant with all regulations.

The owners are waiting for the results of the assessment and are also exploring all options available to raise funds to carry out the essential work.

In the meantime, owners have employed fire-warden personnel to be on site 24- hours a day. All fire hydrants, fire exits and access areas have been checked to make sure they meet the regulations.

All owners and residents have been provided with information on what to do in the event of a fire starting.