Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - Fire Stations.

Paul McGrath

Question:

338 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the compulsory retirement ages for senior fire officers and junior fire officers; if he will compare the duties and responsibilities of both; and if he will consider raising the retirement age for junior fire officers as junior officers who are station commanders have no involvement in the physical exertions of fire fighting, the wearing of breathing apparatus and so on but rather in the management of crews and equipment. [13907/01]

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

The retirement age for senior fire officers is 65. The retirement age for operational fire personnel including station officers is 55. As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 203 on 8 May 2001, it would be inappropriate to change the current arrangements pending the completion of the strategic review of the fire service.

Jack Wall

Question:

339 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of fire stations in Counties Laois and Offaly; the number his Department has received application for the provision of funding in relation to refurbishment; if he has satisfied himself that there is enough stations to facilitate the two counties; if he has any applications for funding for the provision of additional stations within the two counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13908/01]

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

In accordance with section 10(2) of the Fire Services Act, 1981, the provision of a fire service, including the determination of the number of fire stations required is a matter for the local fire authorities concerned, in this case Laois and Offaly County Councils. There are nine fire stations in Laois and eight in Offaly. This year's fire services capital programme, which I announced on 29 January last, provides for proposals for replacement fire stations at Birr and Portlaoise, proceeding to construction stage during 2001, and for proposals for improvements to Ferbane Fire Station to be progressed as far as tender stage. In September 1992 approval in principle was issued to Offaly County Council for a replacement fire station in Edend erry and an updated price of £300,000 was approved in May 1997. The next stage in the development of this project requires the council to prepare and submit a detailed design and cost plan to the Department for approval.

Proposals for a replacement fire station in Portarlington were submitted to my Department by Laois County Council in November, 2000 and are under consideration at present. There are no further applications for funding for the provision of additional or refurbished fire stations in Laois or Offaly before my Department.