Kildare County Council refuses to publish Kildare fire report

Kildare County Council has refused to publish a report highlighting major fire concerns in a housing estate where six homes were destroyed by fire in late March.

The report raises concerns about party walls in the timber frame houses, and other serious construction flaws which, in the event of a fire, could result in a rapid spread of flames between homes. At a meeting on Wednesday, council officials refused to furnish councillors with copies of the report, but did hand over copies to representatives of the residents on the estate.

The residents were told it was up to them if they wished to make the report public. The meeting with council officials was described as “highly emotional” with one of the residents reportedly breaking down in tears when the extent of the possible implications became known.