All that was left of the six homes in Millfield Manor in Newbridge after the fire devastasted the terrace of houses in just a few minutes, leaving many question unanswered

THE Department of Environment has announced that it will carry out a fire safety review in Millfield estate in Newbridge.

The review, which is to be carried out by an independent fire safety expert, will use the recent fire at Millfield Hawthorns as a case study to set out new guidelines that can be implemented in the future. It will be overseen by a steering group convened by Kildare Co Council and is to be completed by the end of January 2016.

Local Labour TD Jack Wall, who made a number of representations to the minister on behalf of the residents, welcomed the move.

“This will give some comfort to the residents and will ensure the involvement of Kildare Co Council and the Dept of the Environment in seeking answers to the major problem that the recent fire in the estate created,” he said.
He added that he will be asking the minister for the inclusion of a resident from the estate on the steering committee.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon, who has also been working on behalf of the residents, welcomed the move but called for further commitments to address any potential deficiencies that are found as part of the review.

“The residents in Millfield have huge concerns about their homes following the fire on 31 March 2015. Those whose houses were destroyed have lost everything, while others who remain in the estate are now afraid about the conditions of their homes.  It is a very stressful time for them,” said Deputy Heydon.

The review will focus the section of the building regulations that sets out fire safety standards when a building is being constructed and will use the Millfield estate as a case study.

The aim is develop a framework for general application for when there is non compliance with fire safety requirements.

As part of the investigation the minister asked that the independent assessor examines safety features and provides general advice and guidelines that will can be used by homeowners and residents.