The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is to install fire sprinkler systems in its high rise blocks in a £8 million programme, beginning in 2021.

Residents of 31 tower blocks are being informed about the installation of the new safety measures.

Paul Isherwood, our Director of Asset Management in the Housing Executive, said: "Following the Grenfell tower tragedy in June 2017, we immediately inspected each of our tower blocks, updated their risk assessments and ensured that necessary safety measures were in place.

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"We also set up an independent reference group to review all aspects of fire safety in the organisation's tower blocks and take into account any lessons from the Grenfell fire tragedy.

"While we believe that our fire safety arrangements are robust, the installation of sprinklers will further enhance safety and provide additional reassurance to residents.

"At present there is no statutory requirement for the installation of sprinklers in existing buildings, however, there is a view that building owners should not wait for the regulatory system to be reformed before carrying out any necessary fire safety measures.

"This is a major programme of work, which will take around two years to complete."