The Irish Government has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to fire safety regulations for places of assembly, and this is the first step in a wider reform process that will directly impact the events industry.
For the first time in over 40 years, the Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape) Regulations, 1985 are under review. However, this is only the starting point. A further consultation on the Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly will follow, meaning additional changes are coming that are likely to have even broader implications for how events and venues are managed.
This is not abstract policy. These proposals have direct, practical implications for how events are designed, built, and operated across Ireland.
One of the proposed provisions states that no hanging or drape should obstruct or impede an escape route. In practical terms, this could affect marquee entrance drapes, internal tent partitioning, themed or immersive walk through experiences such as haunted houses, and soft barriers used in both public and back of house areas. Many of these elements are currently used safely and intentionally as part of event design, but could now fall into scope.
A full time ban on chains, padlocks and removable fastenings on escape routes is also proposed. This could have implications for overnight site security, temporary fencing and gated compounds, and restricted access areas that form part of event infrastructure, particularly where sites are secured outside of event hours.
The proposal to prohibit roller shutter doors across escape routes, including final exits, could affect venues and event spaces that rely on shutters for security or operational flexibility. This includes music venues, hybrid indoor outdoor spaces, and certain backstage or service access routes.
Another significant change is the shift from applying fire safety obligations only when a place is in use as an event space, to applying them whenever a space is occupied. This could impact build and breakdown phases, rehearsals, sound checks, contractor access periods, and staff only operational windows. This is a substantial change in how compliance is interpreted and applied in practice.
The definition of places of assembly is also being expanded to include a broader range of premises such as escape rooms, indoor play centres, transport hubs, libraries, museums and funeral spaces. This reflects how public use spaces have evolved, but also increases the reach of the regulations.
It is important to understand that this consultation focuses only on ease of escape provisions. A wider review of the full Code of Practice is expected next, and that is likely to bring further changes relating to fire safety management, staffing, training, operational procedures, and enforcement.
The Event Industry Association of Ireland welcomes the review of these regulations and supports measures that strengthen life safety. However, this process must go beyond isolated updates. It must lead to a modern, integrated framework for the events industry, with consistency in interpretation and enforcement across all local authorities, and a clear distinction between permanent premises, temporary event environments, and the differing realities of volunteer led and professionally delivered events.
EIAI will prepare a formal submission on this consultation, engage directly with policymakers, and track all upcoming developments. We will keep members fully informed and supported as this process evolves. Please email us here if you have anything you would like us to include.
Further information is available here
This consultation is open until Friday, 24 April 2026, and submissions can be made to firesafetypublicconsultation@housing.gov.ie.
If you are involved in the events industry as an organiser, venue operator, supplier, or safety professional, this is something you should review. These changes could directly affect your operations.
This is the first step in a wider reform process. The events industry now has an opportunity to shape what comes next.
