Vol. 571 No. 1
1248 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of the full-time service at the fire station at a location (details supplied) in County Wicklow; when this full-time service will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19613/03]
Under the Fire Services Act 1981, the provision of fire cover is a statutory duty of the local fire authority, in this case Wicklow County Council. In line with the recommendations of the review of fire safety and fire services, I am committed to the development of a risk-based approach to fire cover standards. This new approach will guide the determination of stations that will need to convert to full-time operations, although the report acknowledges that cover provided by existing stations in particular areas will need to change only in a relatively small number of cases.
