Sinn Fein councillor wants Designated Sleeping Accommodation premises to be compliant with Fire Safety Legislation

Sinn Féin Councillor Fergal Leonard is pressing to ensure that the increasing number of 'Designated' Sleeping Accommodation  premises within the Derry City and Strabane District are fully compliant with Fire Protection and Prevention Legislation. 

The Sperrin Councillor has submitted a motion seeking a tighter monitoring and enforcement on the issue, with it set to be debated by the council on Wednesday 26 June.

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

“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.

“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.”