Fire Safety Certificate Ireland: Complete Application Guide 2025
A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is required for most new buildings and significant works in Ireland. This comprehensive guide explains the requirements, application process, and how to ensure successful approval.
What is a Fire Safety Certificate?
A Fire Safety Certificate is a statutory approval confirming that a building’s design complies with Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations. It’s issued by the Building Control Authority (typically your local County Council or City Council).
When is a Fire Safety Certificate Required?
Mandatory for:
- New buildings (except single dwellings)
- Material alterations to existing buildings
- Material change of use
- Extensions to certain building types
Specific Triggers:
| Building Type | FSC Required? |
|---|---|
| New apartment building | Yes |
| New commercial building | Yes |
| New industrial building | Yes |
| Single house | No (but must comply) |
| House extension | Generally no |
| Commercial fit-out | Often yes |
| Change to apartment | Yes |
Application Requirements
1. Application Form
Complete the Fire Safety Certificate Application Form (FSC1) with:
- Applicant details
- Building owner details
- Building location and description
- List of submitted documents
2. Design Documentation
Drawings Required:
- Site plan
- Floor plans (all levels)
- Sections
- Elevations
- Fire strategy drawings showing:
- Fire compartmentation
- Means of escape routes
- Fire doors and ratings
- Emergency lighting
- Fire detection and alarm zones
- Fire fighting access
Fire Safety Report:
A comprehensive report addressing all aspects of TGD B:
- B1: Means of Escape
- B2: Internal Fire Spread (Linings)
- B3: Internal Fire Spread (Structure)
- B4: External Fire Spread
- B5: Access and Facilities for the Fire Service
3. Compliance Demonstration
Show how your design meets:
- Irish Building Regulations Part B
- TGD B guidance
- Or alternative fire engineering solutions
4. Application Fee
Fees vary by local authority and are based on floor area:
- Up to 200m²: €125 - €500
- 200m² - 500m²: €300 - €800
- 500m² - 1000m²: €600 - €1,500
- Over 1000m²: €1,500+
The Application Process
Timeline
- Submission - Lodge application with Building Control
- Validation - Authority checks completeness (5 working days)
- Assessment - Technical review of compliance (8 weeks statutory)
- Decision - Grant, grant with conditions, or refuse
- Appeal - If refused, you can appeal to An Bord Pleanála
Possible Outcomes
Granted: Certificate issued - works can proceed
Granted with Conditions: Certificate issued subject to specific conditions being met
Request for Additional Information (RFI): Authority needs clarification - “stops the clock” on assessment
Refused: Design doesn’t comply - can appeal or resubmit
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Inadequate means of escape - Travel distances too long, insufficient exits
- Poor compartmentation - Fire barriers incomplete or underspecified
- Insufficient fire resistance - Elements not meeting required ratings
- Missing information - Drawings or calculations incomplete
- Non-compliant alternative solutions - Fire engineering not adequately justified
Role of the Fire Safety Consultant
A fire safety consultant (fire engineer) can:
Design Stage
- Develop fire strategy from project inception
- Advise on Building Regulations compliance
- Design means of escape, compartmentation, etc.
- Prepare fire engineering calculations if needed
- Produce FSC documentation package
Application Stage
- Prepare and submit FSC application
- Respond to RFIs from Building Control
- Liaise with Fire Service if required
Construction Stage
- Review fire stopping proposals
- Inspect installations
- Provide as-built certification
Fire Engineering Solutions
For complex buildings, performance-based fire engineering can provide flexible solutions where prescriptive guidance doesn’t work:
Applications
- Extended travel distances
- Large open-plan spaces
- Atria and complex volumes
- Reduced fire resistance periods
- Alternative smoke control
Requirements
Fire engineering solutions must:
- Be prepared by a competent fire engineer
- Include fire modelling where appropriate
- Demonstrate equivalence to code-compliant design
- Be accepted by Building Control
After the FSC is Granted
Having an FSC doesn’t complete your obligations:
- Construct as approved - Any changes may need a revised FSC
- Commencement Notice - Submit before starting works
- Completion Certificate - Certify compliance on completion
- Fire Safety Register - Maintain ongoing fire safety
Conclusion
The Fire Safety Certificate process ensures buildings are safe for occupants. Working with experienced fire safety consultants from project outset makes the process smoother and avoids costly redesigns.
Brickbolt Engineering’s fire engineers provide comprehensive FSC services from design through certification. Contact us to discuss your project.
