COUNCILLORS have been pondering over what might happen in the event of a “bomb alert” or “gas attack” at Enniskillen Townhall with one suggesting that the new Council policy is “crazy.”
A report was brought to councillors for approval in which it dictates that in the event of a bomb alert the assembly point during an evacuation should be the Diamond, a few yards away.
But Ulster Unionist Councillor Howard Thornton told a recent committee meeting of his concern about the emergency procedures and the assembly point being opposite the building. 
“The assembly point being the Diamond for a bomb scare in the Townhall? I can’t believe that. If we are making a decision to evacuate the building because of a bomb scare and we have an assembly point that is just directly beside the building, I think that’s crazy,” he said. 
In response, Chief Executive Brendan Hegarty explained that within the Council’s “normal building procedures” assembly points where people can go to in an emergency have been identified.
“It’s very difficult for us to write a policy that in the event of a bomb alert we go to another location. That other location may not be accessible to us,” said Mr. Hegarty.
“The likelihood is we would evacuate the building before the police arrive,” said Councillor Thornton. 
“If it was a bomb scare we would clearly know not to go to the Diamond, we’d go somewhere else,” replied Mr. Hegarty who suggested that a “paragraph” could be added to the emergency evacuation procedure detailing that in the event of a bomb or bomb scare the designated assembly point may not be appropriate and a Council officer would advise on an alternative location.
In relation to the metal shutters on the first floor of the Townhall which are triggered in the event of the alarm being activated, Councillor Thornton asked: “The alarm activation, is there an override for escape?”
“Not that I am aware of,” replied Margaret McMahon, the Head of Policy and Strategic Services. 
“I certainly would not be happy,” said Councillor Thornton, explaining that he was not content with “the duty of care” of the Council.
Mr. Hegarty advised that the fire service had previously attended the Townhall and validated procedures and therefore he had “no concern that they caused any risk.”
“I have no grounds for concern, but we certainly ask for more information on that,” he said. 
Mrs. McMahon told the meeting that the procedure was designed to ensure that adequate arrangements were in place for a safe evacuation of all councillors, employees and other persons who may need to leave the premises in the event of an emergency situation during an evening Council meeting. The principles outlined in the emergency evacuation procedure apply to all meetings after 6pm and not solely Council and Committee meetings.
Ulster Unionist Councillor Diana Armstrong asked about holding people inside the Townhall if there “was a gas attack or an attack outside.” 
“In light of what is happening in London,” she said. 
The Erne North councillor proposed that consideration be given to including ‘invacuation procedures’ in the event of a gas attack or attack in the vicinity of Council premises.
Democratic Unionist Keith Elliott asked how many trained fire marshals were in the building as the meeting took place and was surprised to hear that there was just one who was “down at the door.” 
“That is a big responsibility on his head should an alarm sound this evening, would it not?” he said.
Mr. Hegarty advised that the issues raised would be considered further and a revised emergency evacuation procedure would be brought to the Policy and Resources Committee later this month.