Storey welcomes Wilson Foster initiative on gas monitors

In a statement to the Times, the DUP councillor explained: “I welcome the speedy response of both Ministers in reviewing the current situation regarding the lack of early warning appliances in existing properties where natural gas is used as the home heating fuel of choice.”

Mr. Storey described the deaths of the two young men in Castlerock as truly tragic.

Ministers Wilson and Foster have acted responsibly to address the issues around the risk which carbon monoxide causes to the unsuspecting resident. He said he felt sure that they would draw meaningful conclusions that could lead to more effective legislation requiring carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted to all new properties.

He continued: “Such alarms are as important as smoke alarms and I would trust that there could be an arrangement to retrospectively fit monitors to all existing gas heated properties.”

Mervyn Storey said this was an issue that concerned the main gas suppliers and the utility regulator.

He concluded: “I don’t believe the big gas companies can wash their hands of the risks of supply while absorbing the financial benefits of the massive profit they are making. It may not be popular for the big business natural gas suppliers any more than it is for the controversial leaks caused by the oil companies. However, responsibility lies in several quarters for ensuring that home fuels are delivered, maintained and regulated responsibly.”