The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) welcomed Mr. David Rouse, Multi-Unit Developments Advisor with the Housing Agency, to address ILEA members on the role of owners’ management companies (OMCs) in apartment buildings.
In a wide-ranging discussion, key concerns raised by the ILEA included the lack of awareness among OMCs about responsibilities for lift maintenance and safety, the need for clear and accessible guidance, and the potential inclusion of lift modernisation in retrofit and decarbonisation supports.
Commenting after the meeting, Mr Giles Lord, Chairperson of the ILEA, said: “Thousands of lifts in apartment blocks owned and controlled by OMCs are being managed with limited understanding of the specific maintenance requirements required under I.S EN13015. We’re seeing gaps in compliance, unclear responsibilities, and missed maintenance. This isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a safety one. Lifts are critical infrastructure. They must be properly maintained.”
He added: “The Housing Agency plays a key role in supporting OMCs. We would welcome stronger coordination, dedicated guidance, and a practical mechanism to share safety-critical information directly with OMCs and the property management agents they employ.”
David Rouse, Multi-Unit Developments Advisor with the Housing Agency, acknowledged the importance of the issues raised. He highlighted the supports for best practice and good governance for OMCs available from sources including licensed professional management agents, specialist service providers, and the Housing Agency: “OMCs should have access to relevant, clear, and timely information. The Housing Agency appreciates the opportunity to engage with ILEA members.”
Other issues discussed at the ILEA meeting included the need for more frequent lift maintenance, better awareness about the maintenance of fire fighting lifts, and improved communication pathways between industry, property management agents, and OMCs.
The ILEA also stressed that ensuring lift safety and reliability in apartment blocks requires coordination across multiple stakeholders, including regulators, property managers, developers, and Government.
The ILEA continues to advocate for clear standards and direct engagement with stakeholders to ensure the safety and performance of lifts across Ireland’s growing apartment sector.
