Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 6

Written Answers. - Fire Fighting Facilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of outstanding requests in his Department for funding towards the provision of extra fire fighting facilities in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11050/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The provision of a fire service, including the provision of fire fighting facilities for its brigades, is the responsibility of the individual local fire authorities, in this case Kildare County Council.

My Department provides capital grants towards certain expenditures incurred by the fire authorities on the provision of a fire service, including the provision of new/refurbished fire stations, fire appliances and emergency and rescue equipment, including communications equipment.

A new fire station costing about £0.5 million is at present under construction in Athy and approval issued in March 1999 to the council to invite tenders for the construction of a new fire station in Naas.

In December last approval issued to the council to purchase a new fire appliance costing £158,000 which is due to be delivered this year and in January 1999 the council was given approval to pur chase a new alerting system and a previously owned hydraulic platform costing £29,000 and £42,000 approximately, respectively.

The above provisions are being grant aided by my Department.

Further applications from the council for grant aid for the purchase of two water tankers are under consideration in my Department having regard to the funding available for the fire services capital programme and the competing demands on those funds. An application for grant aid in respect of road traffic accident equipment is the subject of correspondence with the council.