
The Pat Kenny Show Fire safety concerns raised at more than 50 asylum centres
Nov 5, 2025
Ellen Coyne, a Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, dives into alarming fire safety issues across over 50 asylum centres. She reveals shocking delays in evacuation drills and highlights frequent safety oversights in converted hotels. Overcrowding and makeshift kitchens add to the hazards, as do overloaded electrical sockets. Coyne discusses potential policy responses, while shedding light on the government's inspection processes and contract cancellations. Her insights bring urgent attention to the safety of vulnerable residents.
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Widespread Fire Safety Failings
- Many IPAS inspection reports from 2025 flagged repeated fire safety problems across centres.
- Issues include locked doors, overcrowding and blocked fire exits that create systemic risks.
Slow Evacuations In Drills
- An inspector recorded a 30-minute evacuation for 11 people at one centre, showing extremely slow egress.
- Another drill took 25 minutes for 86 people, though a later drill improved to six minutes, demonstrating variability.
Non‑Purpose Buildings Increase Risk
- Many centres are repurposed hotels, B&Bs or apartments lacking proper fireproof doors and signage.
- Single unprotected staircases and blocked exits amplify risk when buildings were not designed for high occupancy.
