Liam Aylward
Question:164 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when funding will be approved for the provision of essential equipment to the fire stations in Kilkenny city and county. [4583/00]
Written Answers. - Fire Stations.
The provision of a fire service, including emergency and rescue equipment, is a matter for the local fire authorities to deal with in accordance with section 10 of the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department, however, assists fire authorities by providing capital grants towards expenditure they incur in the purchase of such equipment.
Applications from Kilkenny County Council for grant aid, amounting to £85,000 approximately, for the purchase of road traffic accident rescue equipment and handportable radios are currently under consideration in my Department having regard to the level of funding available for the fire services capital programme and the competing demands on those funds. Decisions on these applications will be notified to the council as soon as possible.
Liam Aylward
Question:165 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when funding will be approved for the provision of an extension to the fire station at Freshford, County Kilkenny. [4585/00]
Liam Aylward
Question:166 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when funding will be approved for the provision of an extension to the fire service station at Callan, County Kilkenny. [4586/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
Applications submitted by Kilkenny County Council in November 1999 for approval in principle to the provision of extensions to the fire stations at Freshford and Callan, County Kilkenny, are currently under examination in my Department. Decisions on the applications will be notified to the council as soon as possible.