A migrant centre in East Wall which has been the subject of much controversy was still without a fire cert last week, more than a month after the issue was first raised.
Hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers are being housed at the centre, which locals say was imposed on the area without consultation.
An investigation by Gript’s Fatima Gunning last month showed that Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed the Two Gateway building did not hold a fire certificate for the purposes of functioning as a ‘refugee centre’.
This was despite the claim by Minister O’Gorman’s office that IPAS Accommodation centres are “subject to regular inspections” and are “required to provide valid fire safety certificates prior to any contract being awarded”.
According to information released to Cllr Nial Ring, the necessary fire cert has not yet been granted some five weeks after Gript’s initial inquiry.
Cllr Ring asked the Area Manager for Dublin City Council if there was a “valid and up to date fire certificate confirming that the building is suitable as a 24/7 living facility for people as distinct from office use.”
In response, the Area Manager replied that an application had been made and that Dublin Fire Brigade were “assessing the application.”
Cllr Ring also asked if he could be provided with a breakdown in regard to those living in the East Wall centre, seeking the “current mix of men, women and children.” However, that request was refused, with the area manager saying that there was no requirement to provide such a breakdown to the local authority.
East Wall Says No spokesman, Malachy Steenson, said that they had raised this issue first last November – and that the building was now “operating in breach of fire regulations.”
“We have planning regulations and fire regulations in this country and they are being subverted and ignored,” he said.
“These are illegal actions, and the Minister needs to shut this building down,” he added.
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