08 July 2011
North Antrim MLA Jim Allister has raised concerns about the upsurge in serious fires affecting ‘listed buildings’. Information received from the DOE Minister in response to an Assembly Question from the TUV Leader has shown that in the 3 months since April 2011 there have been 8 fires, which is as many as in all of the previous 4 years.
Commenting Mr Allister said, “It is hard to believe that coincidence explains this significant upsurge. I trust we are not here seeing at play malicious attempts to circumvent building and planning restraints on such quality buildings.
“It is important that the Department fully explores this issue and, therefore, it is appropriate that in his reply the Minister commits to examining the detail of every one of the recent fires. Of course, accidental fires occur and attacks of sheer vandalism are all too common, but in the face of such an increase pecuniary and other motives should also be examined.”
Question:
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many listed buildings have been damaged or destroyed as a result of fire in each of the last five years.
Answer:
The table below gives information on the number of listed buildings damaged or destroyed as the result
of fire in each of the last five years. I have also included figures for the year to date.
06/07 1
07/08 2
08/09 3
09/10 2
10/11 1
11/12 (* incomplete for current year) 8
total 17
In regard to this year, you should note that three of the listed buildings recorded are (now) part of a single hostel which suffered one fire.
It should also be noted that currently there is no requirement for owners to advise the Department of any damage to their buildings, thus, usually only major or noteworthy incidences are brought to our attention and only these can be included in our figures. I have asked for further details on the 11-12 incidents and on the principle of a general reporting requirement on owners.
General
