Fire Safety Certificates
Do I need a Fire Safety Certificate?
With the exception of houses and certain agricultural buildings, a fire safety certificate is required for all new buildings (including apartments and flats), as well as material changes of use and certain alterations and extensions to buildings, before work begins.
If you are in any doubt, the Chief Fire Officer can be contacted at Ph:01 6778221.
Where do I apply?
Fire Safety Certificates are processed by the Building Control Section, Planning Dept (Ph 8905542). A register of all applications is kept and files are available to view at the public counter (9.30 to 3.30, open through lunch, Mon-Fri), see "Can I view a Fire File" below.
Application forms are available from, and when completed should be sent to, the following address:
Building Control Section, Planning Dept
Fingal County Council
PO Box 174
Main St
Swords
Co Dublin
Applications should be accompanied by
- Plans, calculations and specifications for the works or building (2 copies)
- Details of the nature and extent of the proposed use and where appropriate, of the existing use of the building (2 copies)
- The appropriate fee based on floor area
How much does it cost?
(a) Works in connection with the construction or extension of a building - €125, or €2.90 for each square metre of floor area being provided, whichever is the greater.
(b) Works in connection with
(i) the material alteration of the interior of a building - €125, or €2.90 for each square metre of floor area being provided, whichever is the greater.
(ii) the material alteration of the external surfaces of a building - €125
(iii) a comination of (i) and (ii) above. - €125, or €2.90 for each square metre of floor area being provided, whichever is the greater.
(c) a building in which a material change of use takes place. - €125, or €2.90 for each square metre of floor area being provided, whichever is the greater.
(d) works or a building, where the building concerned will be used as an agricultural building - €65, or €0.80c for each square metre in excess of 300 square metres of:
(i) gross floor area being provided or
(ii) relevant floor area,
as the case may be, whichever is greater.
The maximum fee payable in respect of an application for a Fire Safety Certificate is €12,500.
When will I get my decision?
On the advice of the Chief Fire Officer, a Fire Safety Certificate is granted (with or without conditions), refused or deemed invalid. This normally takes 2 months although this period can be extended by written agreement between the applicant and Fingal County Council.
Can I make an appeal against a decision?
Yes. The applicant can appeal to An Bord Pleanála within 1 month of the decision. There is a fee payable and details can be obtained from An Bord Pleanála (01)858 8100 or Lo-call 1890 275 175, FAX (01) 872 2684, Email bord@pleanala.ie or by contacting the Building Control Section @ Ph 01 8905542
Can I view a Fire File?
Yes. A request must be made in writing to view a fire file at the planning counter. As past year's files are kept in off site storage, notice should be given in advance to the building control section. Please contact the number below for fee details.
Contact the Fire Safety Section @ Ph 01 8905542 or FAX 8906779 to order a file for viewing.
The Legislation
The requirement for and the legislative background to a Fire Safety Certificate is set out in the Building Control Act 1990 (no 3 of 1990) and the Building Control Regulations 1997 (SI no 496 of 1997).
These can be viewed online at www.environ.ie or alternatively can be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth St, Dublin 2, Ph 6613111
