asked the Minister for Local Government if he has any proposals for the provision of a fire station in Ballyfermot, Dublin.
74.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Fire Services.
73.
asked the Minister for Local Government which fire station serves the Ballyfermot area, Dublin; if he will give an estimate of the distance from this fire station to the furthest point in Ballyfermot; and if he is satisfied that the present fire prevention service for this area is adequate.
75.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of fire stations serving the Dublin area; if he is satisfied that this number is adequate and, if not, the proposals, if any, there are for increasing the number.
76.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of fires reported in the Dublin area in the past year to the latest available date; and the total estimated losses from such fires.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions No. 73 to 76, inclusive, together.
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 provision of fire stations or of fire-fighting equipment is therefore primarily a matter for the sanitary authority concerned—in this case the Corporation of Dublin.
There are 11 fire stations serving the Dublin area, two of which were opened in the past year—Finglas and Kilbarrack. I understand that Ballyfermot is served by the station at Dolphin's Barn and that the distance from the latter fire station to the furthest point in Ballyfermot is approximately 4½ miles. I also understand that the existing stations are regarded as providing a satisfactory service for the city and county.
I have no current proposals for the provision of any additional fire stations. I am informed, however, that a programme for replacement and construction of fire stations is planned for the Dublin area.
For the year ended 31st March, 1973, the number of fires attended by the brigades in the Dublin area was 5,983 and the estimated fire loss was £1,448 million.