I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to fire station projects undertaken in County Donegal and nationally in recent years is set out in tables 1 and 2, respectively. With regard to the number of stations constructed in Donegal, as can be seen from table 1, six new replacement stations have been completed at a total cost of around €5 million. In addition, I have recently announced approval to the council to accept a tender for the construction of a further new station at Killybegs at an all in cost of over €1 million, and also that new stations at Glenties and Dungloe may be advanced to construction over the 2004 to 2005 period.
Details of Donegal County Council's proposed five year fire station replacement programme, adopted by the council in 1999, and indicating the priority afforded by the council at that time are set out in table 3. The council's programme was set to be subject to review and adjustment depending on availability of sites and any problems at local level as well as the overall funding available under my Department's capital programme, the fire cover needs in the area, the competing demands of other fire authorities and value for money.
It is understood from the council that progress on the proposed Moville fire station project was delayed due to problems in acquiring a suitable site. The council's first request for approval in principle to the Moville station project was received in November 2003 and is being assessed by my Department, having regard to the fire cover needs in the area, the technical merits of the proposal and the requirement to progress projects already approved for commencement under the capital programme.
Earlier this year my Department initiated a review with fire authorities of all proposed fire station projects along with those in planning with a view to obtaining the best outcome from the fire station construction programme nationally. As part of this review, my Department sought an indication from each fire authority as to the relative priority of its proposed projects. However, in its February 2004 response, Donegal listed seven new fire station projects, including one at Moville, but without indicating the relative priority of these projects.