Menu
23/01/2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
It follows the Improving Safety in High Rise Residential Buildings in Northern Ireland report, which was developed in response to the Grenfell tragedy. The Department will be seeking the views of residents of such buildings around safety issues, particularly in relation to fire safety.
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA, said: "Alliance recognises the need for this legislation and improved safety measures, with protections for owners of flats in high rise buildings.
"Where significant adaptations are needed to comply with future legislation, there needs to be the option for the Housing Executive to be able to buy back flats or for the Department to provide financial support either by way of grant or loan, with long-term pay back options.
"However, legislation to allow that has not been progressed in the absence of an Executive. If we are to see safety measures taken forward and delivered for people, we need to see a Minister in place."
It follows the Improving Safety in High Rise Residential Buildings in Northern Ireland report, which was developed in response to the Grenfell tragedy. The Department will be seeking the views of residents of such buildings around safety issues, particularly in relation to fire safety.
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA, said: "Alliance recognises the need for this legislation and improved safety measures, with protections for owners of flats in high rise buildings.
"Where significant adaptations are needed to comply with future legislation, there needs to be the option for the Housing Executive to be able to buy back flats or for the Department to provide financial support either by way of grant or loan, with long-term pay back options.
"However, legislation to allow that has not been progressed in the absence of an Executive. If we are to see safety measures taken forward and delivered for people, we need to see a Minister in place."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2024
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
19 February 2024
Home Safety And Crime Prevention Event At Belfast City Hall
A free home safety and crime prevention advice event is to be held at Belfast City Hall on Friday, 01 March. The Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has organised the event, which is free and will take place from 10am-1pm in Belfast City Hall. Complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments will also be provided.
Home Safety And Crime Prevention Event At Belfast City Hall
A free home safety and crime prevention advice event is to be held at Belfast City Hall on Friday, 01 March. The Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has organised the event, which is free and will take place from 10am-1pm in Belfast City Hall. Complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments will also be provided.
25 April 2024
Economy Minister Launches Latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, has announced the launch of the latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme for students in Northern Ireland. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate programme. The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus.
Economy Minister Launches Latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, has announced the launch of the latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme for students in Northern Ireland. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate programme. The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus.
08 August 2023
New £33m Remediation Fund Announced For Unsafe Cladding
The Department for Communities has announced a new £33 million fund for the remediation or mitigation of the life safety fire risks linked to external wall systems in residential buildings in Northern Ireland. The fund applies to residential buildings which are over 11 metres tall.
New £33m Remediation Fund Announced For Unsafe Cladding
The Department for Communities has announced a new £33 million fund for the remediation or mitigation of the life safety fire risks linked to external wall systems in residential buildings in Northern Ireland. The fund applies to residential buildings which are over 11 metres tall.
04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
