COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 14, 2012

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

To ask the Manager, in light of recent changes to the fire service, to confirm who is liable to pay a call-out fee in the event of a person reporting a fire in another property, and to make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

From the 16th January 2012, Fire Service Charges were extended by the Dublin Local Authorities to include call-outs and firefighting services provided to domestic premises and road traffic accidents.  The call out charge for the first hour or part thereof are charged at €500 in respect of domestic alarms and €610 for road traffic accidents.   Additional hours or part thereof per fire tender are charged at €450 for domestic call outs and €485 for road traffic accidents.  Most home Insurance Policies cover fire call out charges and, in such cases, householders can recoup the charge under their policies. No charges will apply to local authority owned properties. Occupiers are encouraged to continue to call for Fire Brigade assistance as normal and as early as possible in a fire event.  An appeal system will be in place for cases of hardship.   

The liability for payment fo the charge lies with owner of the premises or the vehicle. The caller will not be charged unless they are the owner of the premises or the vehicle.  There is no question of a person reporting a fire in another persons property being held liable.

All members of the public are advised as always to continue to call for Fire Brigade assistance as normal and as early as possible in the event of fire.