Social Democrats spokesperson on housing quality and building standards Councillor Cian O’Callaghan said:
“The failure of Dublin City Council and other local Councils to enforce minimum standards in the private rental sector as exposed in last night’s RTÉ Prime Time should come as no surprise. Local authorities have a very poor track record when it comes to enforcement.
“For example, in early October 2017, I wrote twice to Owen Keegan Chief Executive of Dublin City Council about serious fire safety concerns in a major housing development on the northside of Dublin.
“I have yet to receive even a cursory reply let alone any indication of action on his behalf. In this development residents have been trying for years to engage with Dublin City Council and Dublin Fire Brigade about their concerns – however there is a steadfast refusal by the authorities to meet with the residents and their fire safety experts.
“The current system whereby local Councils are neither compelled or incentivised to take enforcement action with respect to building and fire safety standards is simply not working. The Department of Housing must introduce a rigorous system of inspection and enforcement – the current minimalist approach is putting people’s lives at risk.”
ENDS
3 November 2017