MenuFire Prevention, Legislation & Licencing
- Other relevant links
- Fire Service Contact Details
- Fire Service Forms & Downloads
- Community Fire Safety
- Fire Prevention, Legislation & Licencing
- Fire Safety Certificates
- Fire Brigade Attendance Charges
- Major Emergency Planning
- Disability Access Certificates
- COP Places of Assembly
The fire prevention section has the responsibility to ensure that satisfactory fire standards exist in both new and existing buildings, which are occupied by members of the public (other than private dwelling houses).
Applications for Planning permission and Fire Safety Certificates (FSC) are assessed by the Fire Service.
Inspections are carried out at places of public entertainment during performances, to ensure that satisfactory fire safety standards are in operation.
In order to increase public awareness of fire safety and fire prevention, public talks and seminars are provided by the Chief Fire Officer and his staff.
For further information on the services being provided by the Galway Fire Service, please follow the menu to the left of this page, or contact Galway Fire & Rescue Service Prevention Section at 091 570 900.
Fire Safety Legislation
Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003
The current structure of the Fire Service in Ireland is based upon the legislation of the Fire Services Act of 1981 & 2003.While the "duty of care" in respect to Fire Safety in Buildings rests with the Owner/Occupier under the Fire Service Act, 1981, the Fire Authorities have various powers of inspection and enforcement for Fire Prevention/safety measures in existing Buildings.Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Act, 1981 & 2003 is quoted as follows: -
“It shall be the duty of every person having control over premises to which this section applies to –
(a) take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises,
(b) provide reasonable fire safety measures for such premises and prepare and provide appropriate fire safety procedures for ensuring the safety of persons on such premises,
(c) ensure that the fire safety measures and procedures referred to in paragraph (b) are applied at all times, and
(d) ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such outbreak has occurred or not.”
A person convicted for an offence under the above may be liable to a maximum fine of €12,697.38 and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
Part 3 (Amendment to Fire Services Act 1981) of Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 – S.I. No. 15
Building Control Act 1990 & 2007
In accordance with the Building Control Act, a Fire Safety Certificate and a Disability Access Certificate may be required in relation to certain works including:
- the design and construction of a new building
- the material alteration of newly constructed or existing building
- the extension of a building by more than 25 square metres
- a material change of use of a building or part of a building.
Certain Exemptions apply. However, if you plan to carry out works or have carried out works you should check with your local Building Control Authority (Galway County Council or Galway City Council depending on the site location) or the prevention Section of Galway Fire & Rescue Service whether or not a Fire Safety Certificate or Disability Access Certificate is required. Since the 1st January 2010 generally any works that require a Fire Safety Certificate also require a Disability Access Certificate.
Please see the Fire Safety Certificates section for more information.
Please see the Disability Access Certificate section for more information.
Management Inspection
Galway Fire and Rescue Service has an ongoing campaign of inspection to check buildings of public resort for compliance with the Ease of Escape Regulations. These inspections can occur at any time during normal operating hours of public premises.
Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape) Regulations, 1985 – S.I. No. 249
Licensing and the Fire Service
Throughout the year the Fire Service receives notification of applications to the courts for licences for various types of public premises. As a notice party to many types of licence applications the Fire Authority is requested to carry out inspections of premises and to be represented at the licence hearing to state if it has any objection to the licence being granted.
For more information about the types of notifications the Fire Authority receives, and the notification periods required please download the Notification Requirements Table for Licensing document below: (please note this document was last updated October 2008, and is subject to change, for the most up to date information please contact the Courts Service of Ireland)
District Court licence notification requirements
Fire Service Charges - Licensing reports (2009)
Event Licencing
Galway Fire and Rescue Service is a notifiable body as part of the planning process for large Events, Concerts, St Patricks day parade etc,at a number of venues in the city.
The following is a link to the relevant legislation that applies.
- Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003
- Planning and Development Act, 2000 – S.I. No. 30
- Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations, 2001 – S.I. No. 154
Find us
on Facebook
Follow us
on Twitter
Gaeilge
agus Fáilte