2018 Hold Fire Conference – The Key challenges for those managing fire safety in historic buildings.

 

In 2018 Irish Landmark Trust held a one-day conference to look at fire safety in historic buildings. The context for the event was the necessary closure of Irish Landmark’s property at No.25 Eustace Street in Dublin to facilitate upgrading to ensure the building meets new fire safety regulations and the challenges faced in that process.

Guest speakers included:

  • Stephen Emery, Oxford University Fire Officer, discussed the challenges of dealing with fire safety regulations in historic buildings and how to negotiate this challenge.
  • Gráinne Shaffrey, Shaffrey Architects, discussed her report to Dublin City Council and the re-use of Georgian Houses (in relation to fire safety).
  • Úna Ní Mhéaráin, Conservation Architect, talked about the challenges that were faced with fire regulations in the conservation of City Assembly House.
  • Dawson Stelfox, conservation architect with Consarc in Belfast, discussed fire prevention measures for historic buildings. Richard Calder OPW, Head of Fire & Security,  will discuss how fire safety issues were dealt with in state buildings.
  • Finally, Chris Mc Gregor talked about the two fires at Glasgow School of Art and the subsequent restoration.

 

It is now four years since the Hold Fire Conference. We spoke to Michael O’Boyle, Chairman of the Irish Landmark Trust to see what lessons have been learned in that time and what challenges remain for those managing fire safety in historic buildings.

Michael, the Hold Fire event was helpful in that it gave a well-rounded view of the challenges faced by those working with fire safety in historic buildings.

What was the key learning from this event?

 

The conference attracted a lot of interest and was fully booked, with attendance from a cross-section of the built heritage and fire safety sectors.  This demonstrates the ongoing importance of the issue for professionals and building owners working with historic buildings.  A number of the speakers highlighted the need to avoid one-size-fits-all solutions in favour of building-specific fire safety solutions.  There were some excellent case studies demonstrating very effective and robust fire safety strategies using non-standard solutions.

 

What are the key challenges for people working in this area?

 

The technical guidance that accompanies the Building Control Regulations in the Republic of Ireland only describes standard solutions that are primarily targeted at new-build projects.  The guidance clearly states that such solutions may not be appropriate for existing buildings, particularly buildings of architectural and historical interest.  The absence of technical guidance on a range of practical and appropriate fire safety solutions for existing and historic buildings is a particular challenge.  Without this guidance, it can make it very difficult to achieve fire safety solutions that are aligned with good conservation practices. This is becoming a significant challenge in the adaptation and re-use of older buildings in our towns, villages, and cities.

 

Have changes to the regulatory environment since 2018 made things more difficult in the context of managing heritage properties?

 

The technical guidance for the regulation of fire safety was updated in 2020, primarily to address concerns relating to high-rise apartment buildings and open-plan flats following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London.  There has been no real change in the fire safety regulations and guidance for other building types.  Unfortunately, there is anecdotal evidence that some local authorities may have become less willing to adopt appropriate non-standard solutions as allowed for in the technical guidance document for fire safety.  This highlights the urgent need for additional technical guidance to assist conservation and fire safety professionals working with older buildings.

 

 

What solutions have Irish Landmark Trust found that they consider helpful or educational?

 

Irish Landmark Trust will always seek to follow best practices in both conservation and fire safety.  Where necessary, we engage specialist advice in both conservation and fire safety so that the most appropriate solution can be identified.  Our design teams seek to hold coordinated consultations with the conservation and fire safety departments in the relevant local authorities so that these solutions can be agreed upon. This approach is currently being followed in our discussions with Dublin City Council on the Georgian Townhouse property in Temple Bar.

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It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

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Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

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AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

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POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

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Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

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The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

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While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

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There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

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On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

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If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

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SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

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I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

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Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable & non-transferable.

Cancellation Fees will apply if you cancel your reservation.

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Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December.