Councillor pushes for fire safety in sleeping accommodations

“It is crucial that all providers of this type of accommodation comply with legislative requirements”

Sinn Féin Councillor Fergal Leonard

Sinn Féin Councillor Fergal Leonard is advocating for stricter compliance with fire protection and prevention legislation in the increasing number of ‘Designated’ Sleeping Accommodation premises within the Derry City and Strabane District.

As reported by Derry Now, Cllr Leonard has submitted a motion seeking tighter monitoring and enforcement on this issue.

The motion will be debated by the council on Wednesday, 26 June.

Cllr Leonard stated: “With the welcome increasing provision of student accommodation, tourist and visitor overnight accommodation in the City and District, it is crucial that all providers of this type of accommodation comply with legislative requirements with regards to Fire Protection and Fire Prevention.

Regrettably, statistics continue to show that people are most at risk from fire when they are sleeping.

We want to ensure that our students and visitors are as safe as possible from the risk from fire.”

Proposal for initial and regular meetings

Cllr Leonard is proposing that the council establish an initial meeting with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Tourist Boards across the island, and the House of Multiple Occupation Unit at Belfast City Council.

The aim is to share information regarding the current numbers and types of sleeping accommodation in the City and District, followed by regular meetings to update on new sleeping accommodation premises.

He emphasised the importance of information sharing to enhance safety measures: “To this end, I am proposing that Council establish an initial meeting with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Tourist Boards across the island and the House of Multiple Occupation Unit at Belfast City Council to share information with regards current numbers and types of sleeping accommodation provision in this City and District followed by regular meetings to share information on new sleeping accommodation premises.”

Familiarisation with legislative requirements

In addition to the meetings, Cllr Leonard is also pushing for familiarisation sessions for councillors on the legislative requirements for Sleeping Premises.

This includes the Fire Services Order (NI) 2006, Fire Service Regulations (NI) 2010, and the Houses in Multiple Occupation (NI) Order 2016.

He suggests that these sessions should cover the respective council legislative requirements.

“I am also proposing that Council provide Councillors with familiarisation on Sleeping Premises legislative requirements under the Fire Services Order (NI) 2006, Fire Service Regulations (NI) 2010 and Houses in Multiple Occupation (NI) Order 2016.

“This familiarisation should include respective Council legislative requirements,” said Cllr Leonard.