Ministers consider plans for compulsory carbon monoxide alarms

Stormont ministers will meet today to discuss whether carbon monoxide alarms should be made compulsory in the North following the leak that killed two teenage school friends.

Arlene Foster and Sammy Wilson, the two ministers with responsibility for the area, will examine if enforcing installation of the potentially life saving detector in new builds, rented accommodation and businesses is feasible.

Other jurisdictions that considered the option have not followed through with law over problems identifying an industry standard device.

The ministers faced calls to take action in the wake of the poisoning tragedy that claimed the lives of 18-year-old school friends Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran as they holidayed in a seaside apartment in Castlerock, Co Londonderry last week.

The gas fitter who installed the faulty appliance that is the suspected source of the leak is under investigation and a number of other properties where he worked were closed down as a precautionary measure.

Enterprise Minister Mrs Foster and Finance Minister Mr Wilson said they both support calls for compulsory carbon monoxide alarms.

Mrs Foster said: “Legislation will take time and I would strongly advise householders not to wait for that legislation but to take action and install a carbon monoxide detector in their home.”