Longboat Quay: ‘Firetrap’ building put 200 residents at risk

The evacuation of residents in more than 200 flats in a prestigious Dublin development was considered after the discovery of major construction flaws that rendered the buildings firetraps.

The discovery of the serious structural deficiencies in the Longboat Quay development in Dublin’s docklands occurred during a routine inspection last June, eight years after the buildings were constructed by former developer, Bernard McNamara.

The deficiencies included the construction of walls that were inadequate for the containment of fire and an absence of smoke vents — regarded as vital to preserve life during fires.