Maintaining Fire Compartmentation in Older Buildings in Ireland

I’m Garrett, Operations Manager at Firestoppers, and I’ve seen firsthand how Ireland’s architectural heritage mingles with the demands of modern fire safety. When we talk about fire compartmentation in older buildings, we’re not just following regulations, we’re protecting lives and preserving history.

Below, we’ll look at:

  • Key regulations
  • Unique challenges of older buildings
  • Practical strategies used at Firestoppers
  • How local authorities might apply regulations more broadly
  • The impact of conservation requirements on protected structures

Fire Safety Regulations in Ireland: Setting the Standard

Buildings Constructed After July 1992

The Building Control Act 1990 (amended in 2007) and the Building Regulations 1997–2019 guide Ireland’s fire safety requirements. A key date is July 1992. Any building constructed after this date must comply fully with modern regulations, including the need for a Fire Safety Certificate.

What About Older Buildings?

Buildings constructed before July 1992 often don’t need a Fire Safety Certificate unless they undergo significant alteration. However, “significant alteration” (sometimes referred to as “major works”) can be interpreted more broadly than people think. If the construction work impacts fire safety elements—like compartmentation—then the law generally requires a Fire Safety Certificate application, even for pre-1992 properties.

Moreover, local authorities and fire service offices often insist that the entire building meet current requirements once work begins, not just the section being modified. This can be a substantial undertaking but is key to ensuring overall safety.

A construction worker wearing orange hi vis and his back to the camera with the text "Fire Safety Regulations in Ireland"

Challenges in Fire Compartmentation for Older Buildings

Older structures in Ireland—be they Georgian townhouses or country estates—pose unique hurdles when it comes to fire safety. These include:

1. Structural Limitations

  • Thick walls and heavy doors can offer great natural resistance but are tough to retrofit.
  • Hidden voids behind panelling or within joists provide sneaky pathways for fire and smoke.
  • Undivided roof spaces can allow fire to sweep through the upper levels unchecked.

2. Service Penetrations

  • Modern additions for electricity, plumbing, IT, or HVAC systems often breach existing compartmentation.

3. Historical Integrity and Conservation Requirements

  • Many older buildings are protected structures, meaning changes are subject to strict regulations to preserve historical features.
  • Balancing fire safety with the conservation of architectural or cultural elements can lead to conflicts between different regulatory frameworks.
  • Certain exemptions or special considerations can sometimes be granted, but they require careful negotiation.

4. Changes in Use

  • Repurposing an 18th-century house for offices or hospitality requires substantial adaptations to reach modern fire safety standards.

Strategies for Effective Fire Compartmentation

At Firestoppers, we’ve developed strategies tailored to the unique challenges of older buildings. Here’s how we bridge history and safety:

  1. Assess Existing Strengths
    Older materials like stone and heavy timber have natural fire-resistant qualities, which we preserve and reinforce wherever possible.
  2. Seal Service Penetrations
    We use intumescent sealants, pillows, collars, and blocks to close off any gaps created by modern utilities or retrofitting.
  3. Innovative Solutions
    • Fire Curtains: Flexible barriers that can be discreetly installed to maintain compartmentation while preserving architectural features.
  4. Upgrading Floors and Ceilings
    Adding extra fire-rated materials can convert these elements into reliable barriers—vital where walls between floors don’t line up.
  5. Enclose High-Risk Areas
    Rooms with higher fire loads (plant rooms, kitchens, or IT server rooms) should be compartmented with fire-rated walls, doors, and ceilings to contain any incidents.
  6. Continual Maintenance and Surveys
    Conducting routine fire compartmentation surveys helps detect vulnerabilities and ensures older buildings remain safe over the long term.

Balancing Preservation With Compliance

Ireland’s older buildings aren’t just structures; they represent layers of cultural and architectural heritage. That’s why retrofitting them for fire safety must respect both the Building Regulations and conservation guidelines for protected structures.

When local authorities intervene, they may require the entire building to meet the Building Control Act’s standards, which can spark debates about preserving original features. Where conflicts arise, there may be scope for special exemptions or variances—but obtaining these requires thorough documentation and expert negotiation with planning authorities, heritage bodies, and fire officers.

At Firestoppers, we work closely with architects and conservation specialists to strike the right balance—keeping your building safe while preserving its historical character.


Why Professional Expertise Matters

Upgrading or installing fire compartmentation in older buildings is never a quick DIY fix. Each property has its own structural quirks, heritage features, and compliance obligations. Here’s how we help:

  1. Passive Fire Protection Assessments
    We run detailed surveys to discover every nook and cranny where a fire could sneak through.
  2. Tailored Solutions
    Because every building is unique, we craft a plan that blends historic preservation with modern fire safety requirements.
  3. Ongoing Support
    Fire safety isn’t a “set it and forget it” exercise. We offer maintenance, and further assessments, and keep you updated on evolving regulations.

Conclusion: Protecting Our Past While Securing the Future

Maintaining fire compartmentation in Ireland’s older buildings is a balancing act involving regulations, building owners, fire safety professionals, and conservation agencies. By recognising the specific challenges—like undivided roof spaces, hidden voids, and historical protections—and responding with thoughtful, expert-led strategies, we can keep these architectural treasures both authentic and safe.

If you own or manage an older building, contact us at Firestoppers for a consultation. Let’s preserve the charm of your property while meeting the demands of modern fire safety—because safeguarding lives and heritage go hand in hand.

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