Gardaí investigate allegations of fraud over sale of fire safety equipment

Fire extinguishers must be test discharged and refilled every three years. File Picture: Denis Minihane

Gardaí in West Cork are investigating several reports of alleged fraud relating to the sale of fire safety equipment in recent months.

Sources have told the Irish Examiner that sums of between €200 and €2,500 have been lost by people in relation to such equipment.

It is understood that while the reports are being made to gardaí in Skibbereen, allegations relate to different parts of Munster. Concerns have also been raised by people in parts of the Midlands, south Leinster, and south Connacht who believe they were also targeted.

One source said: “The people targeted in this are typically farmers, small businesses, and older people.” 

The reports made to gardaí relate to the sale of equipment such as fire extinguishers and the servicing of such equipment. Allegations include that payment was made for products which were not supplied, while some extinguishers taken away for servicing were not returned to their owners. Some others are alleged to have been replaced with inadequate equipment.

Irish Standard 291 governs the area of fire extinguishers, including the installation, inspection, and servicing of them. Extinguishers must be test discharged and refilled every three years, under the standards. In such circumstances, the standards outline that loan units are to be provided to the client to ensure no loss of cover while units are removed, until they are returned again.

The suspect in the investigation is a man living in West Cork.

Gardaí have not revealed how many people have made complaints, but it is expected that more people will come forward in the coming days.

A Garda spokesman said: “Gardaí have received a number of reports of alleged fraud that occurred in Skibbereen, Co Cork, in recent months. Enquiries are ongoing at this time."