Independent inspections demanded after RTÉ Investigates finds fire safety

Opposition parties have called for independent inspectors to investigate private emergency accommodation.

A report found that more than a third of privately operated emergency housing in Dublin has fire safety failures.

Inspections carried out by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) found that more than a third had issues with safety around emergency evacuation routes and the supply of fire blankets.

The report, obtained by RTÉ Investigates after a freedom of information request, also found a failure to update fire logs and to supply carbon monoxide alarms.

Safety inspections were suspended a year ago because of Covid-19, it also emerged.

Eoin Ó Broin, a Sinn Féin TD, described the findings as “shocking but not surprising”. Ó Broin, the party’s spokesman on housing, said the report