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What is a Fire Safety Certificate?

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By John Healy of Healy Insurances

A Fire Safety Certificate is an official document that verifies if a building design submitted as part of an application will, if constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications approved by the Building Control Authority, comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Fire Safety Certificates are issued by a Building Control Authority. The certificate confirms that the building has adequate escape facilities and that the building is designed in a way that prevents and limits the spread of fire. While all buildings must comply with the fire regulations, not all buildings will need a Fire Safety Certificate.

Which developments require a Fire Safety Certificate?

The Building Control Act (1990 & 2007) specifies the development types that require Fire Safety Certificates:

· Works in connection with the design and construction of a new building
· Works in connection with the material alteration of a day centre, a building containing a flat, a hotel, hostel or guest building, an institutional building, a place of assembly, a shopping centre
· Works in connection with the material alteration of a shop, office or industrial building where additional floor area is being provided within the existing building or where the building is being sub-divided into a number of units for separate occupancy
· Works in connection with the extension of a building by more than 25 square metres
· A building as regards which a material change of use takes place.

Some developments are exempted from requiring a Fire Certificate and can include:

· Certain single storey agricultural buildings
· A building used as a dwelling (other than a flat)
· A single storey domestic garage
· A single storey building ancillary to a dwelling which is used exclusively for recreational or storage purposes or the keeping of plants, birds or animals for domestic purposes and is not used for any trade or business or for human habitation
· Works in connection with a Garda station, a courthouse, a barracks and certain government buildings.

If a building is inspected by a member of the building control authority and it transpired that no Fire Safety Certificate is in place, the building could be subject to closure. For more information see www.kerrycoco.ie/home3/building-control/firesafetycerts.

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Hermitage Green set for landmark St Mary’s Church concert

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The Wander Wild Festival, supported by Pig’s Lane, has confirmed that Irish trad-folk band Hermitage Green will headline a special concert as part of this year’s outdoor, culture, and wellness programme.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, a venue chosen for its unique atmosphere and stunning acoustics.

Known for an original instrumental arrangement that features the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo, the five-piece band is entering its 15th year with significant momentum.

Their 2024 album, Connection, showcased a broadened creative scope through collaborations with author Gregory David Roberts and artist Bobby Fingers, earning praise for its emotional storytelling and sonic ambition.

This recent success was mirrored on stage when the group closed the Rankin Woods Stage at Electric Picnic and followed it with a sold-out performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

Doors for the St Mary’s Church of the Sloes event will open at 8:00 pm on April 18, with tickets currently available through the official festival booking platform.

The Wander Wild Festival itself runs from April 17 to 19 and is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, 53 Degrees North, Heineken 00, and Pig’s Lane.

With over 160 events scheduled across the weekend, the festival continues to establish Killarney as a leading destination for adventure and culture.

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O’Brien Coffey MacSweeney launches OBCM Wealth Management

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O’Brien Coffey MacSweeney Chartered Accountants has announced the launch of OBCM Wealth Management. The new brand has been established to reflect the growth of the firm’s pensions, investment, and protection services, marking a new stage in its expansion as a distinct financial services provider.
The growth of the division has been led by John Cronin, who joined the firm 18 months ago. Mr Cronin is a dual-qualified lawyer in Ireland and New York, a Qualified Pension Trustee, and a Qualified Financial Adviser. With over 15 years of experience across the legal and financial sectors, he provides specialist guidance on complex pension and investment matters.
John joins James O’Brien and Patrick MacSweeny, both of whom are Chartered Accountants and Qualified Financial Advisers. Their combined backgrounds in taxation and business advisory form the basis of the firm’s integrated approach to financial planning.
“We were delighted to welcome John to expand the existing financial services business,” said James O’Brien. “His extensive experience in the industry has already been a significant benefit to our clients. Combined with our tax and accountancy expertise, it enhances our ability to provide a comprehensive, client-focused service.”
The team at OBCM Wealth Management will continue to offer tailored professional advice aimed at helping clients build secure financial futures through dedicated pension and protection strategies.

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