asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the growing public concern at the inadequacy of the fire brigade services in Dublin and Dún Laoghaire; and what action it is proposed to take to provide more up-to-date fire fighting equipment and to increase the number of personnel in order to allay public anxiety.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Fire Brigade Services.
109.
I am not so aware. Under the Fire Brigades Act, 1940, it is the responsibility of the sanitary authority to make reasonable provision for the prompt and efficient extinguishing of fires in its district. The responsibility for the provision of any additional equipment or for the recruitment of staff is, therefore, a matter for the sanitary authorities concerned—in this case the corporations of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire.
In a report recently received from both of these authorities I find that the position regarding fire services is constantly under review. An indication of this can be gauged from the following facts:
Dublin Fire Brigade
In the past year the personnel of all ranks increased by 73 to a total of 475. The annual expenditure on fire services exceeds £1 million. Two new fire stations were completed, one at Kilbarrack which is operational, and the other at Finglas which will become operational this month. Proposals are under consideration for the extension and rebuilding of Tara Street Fire Station and for the replacement of Buckingham Street, Dorset Street and Rathmines Fire Stations. In addition future proposals envisage three new fire stations at Tallaght/Clondalkin, Blanchardstown and Ballinteer. A replacement programme for fire appliances is being carried out—within the past month two new appliances were delivered and delivery of a further appliance is awaited.
Dún Laoghaire Fire Brigade
The total personnel of all ranks is 53 and the annual expenditure on the fire service is £108,000. As a result of a comprehensive independent examination of the fire service, carried out in 1969, one fire prevention officer and seven additional firemen were recruited.