By Garrett Nolan, Operations Manager at Firestoppers
As Ireland’s leading passive fire protection specialists, my team and I at Firestoppers have witnessed firsthand the dangers lurking in older apartment blocks. One in five fire fatalities in Ireland in 2023 were from smoking materials, with seniors most at risk. Worse, the 2022 Census revealed 70,000 homes still lack working smoke alarms. For ageing buildings erected during the Celtic Tiger era, these statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re a wake-up call.
Understanding the Unique Fire Risks in Older Apartment Blocks
Many pre-2013 apartments suffer from structural defects linked to outdated construction practices, including compromised fire-resistant walls and doors. These flaws, often exacerbated by poor maintenance, allow flames and smoke to spread unchecked through gaps in compartmentation. Compounding this, outdated electrical systems and missing smoke alarms turn small fires into disasters.
Take compartmentalisation: a critical defence mechanism. Older blocks often lack adequate fire-rated barriers between units, enabling smoke to engulf stairwells—the very escape routes residents rely on. Combine this with absent smoke alarms, and you have a recipe for tragedy, particularly for older occupants who may struggle to evacuate quickly.
Key Resource: Learn how to address compartmentalisation flaws in our guide Fire Compartmentation in Apartment Buildings: Essential Knowledge for OMCs.

Practical Steps to Enhance Fire Safety
1. Retrofit Passive Fire Protection Systems
At Firestoppers, we start by sealing gaps around pipes and cables with intumescent fire-stopping materials, which expand under heat to block flames. Installing FD30 or FD60 fire-rated doors and cavity barriers in ceiling voids can compartmentalise fires, buying precious evacuation time.
2. Upgrade Active Fire Safety Measures
Every unit and common area needs interlinked smoke alarms. For high-risk buildings, consider sprinkler systems—The new regulations will come into operation on May 1, 2025.
3. Conduct a Fire Safety Assessment
A certified fire safety consultant should inspect your building against the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment (2022). This includes reviewing original Fire Safety Certificates (FSCs) and identifying defects like faulty fire doors or inadequate escape routes.
4. Develop a Clear Emergency Plan
Work with Dublin Fire Brigade to draft evacuation protocols and host drills. Ensure exits are marked and unobstructed—a simple step that saved lives in a hypothetical retrofit scenario we’ve modelled for clients.
Navigating Ireland’s Fire Safety Regulations and Funding
Compliance with Part B Building Regulations
The 2024 Part B amendments demand stricter fire performance for building facades and smaller sprinkler compartments in shops. For older blocks, this means retrofitting fire-resistant cladding and upgrading alarms to meet Technical Guidance Document B standards by May 2025.

Secure Funding via the Interim Remediation Scheme
If your block was built between 1991–2013, your Owners’ Management Company (OMC) can apply to the Housing Agency for urgent fire defect repairs. While the scheme is operational, progress has been cautious, with only 595 units initially selected as “pathfinders” to refine the process. For eligibility and application steps, visit our Interim Remediation Scheme Guide. As of September 2024, the government has approved priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024, which will provide a more comprehensive legal basis for remediating fire safety, structural safety, and water ingress defects
Fire Safety Certificate Applications
Planning major renovations? Submit a Fire Safety Certificate Application via the Building Control Management System. Missing this step risks fines, especially for “material change of use” projects.
Future-Proofing Older Buildings
With a statutory defects scheme pending government approval (covering fire safety, structural issues, and water ingress), OMCs should act now to register buildings. Proactive upgrades not only save lives but also enhance property values. As Minister Darragh O’Brien has stated, resolving legacy building failures remains a priority for the state.
Case Study: Transforming a 2005 Dublin Apartment Block

In 2024, Firestoppers partnered with an OMC in Dublin 8 to address severe compartmentalisation failures. We installed 120 FD60 fire doors, sealed 500+ penetrations, and upgraded smoke alarms—all funded through the Interim Remediation Scheme. Post-remediation, the building achieved full compliance with Part B, and residents now sleep safer knowing their escape routes are protected
Final Thoughts
Improving fire safety in older blocks isn’t optional—it’s a moral duty. At Firestoppers, we’re committed to guiding OMCs through passive fire safety audits, funding applications, and retrofits. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s ensure your building meets Ireland’s evolving safety standards.
Garrett Nolan
Operations Manager, Firestoppers