Confusion over housing responsibility after Cork blaze

Confusion has arisen over responsibility for the provision of emergency housing for tenants made homeless by a fire at a privately-owned apartment in Cork last weekend.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy’s office said it is the duty of a local authority to provide emergency evacuation and temporary shelter.

Cork City Council officials challenged the minister’s office, stating its responsibility is confined to a fire occurring in social housing or in a major emergency.