Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 April 2009
299 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in respect of the fire stations in Bundoran and Ballyshannon, County Donegal; if it is his intention to retain both of these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14283/09]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through setting of general policy and through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme.
Further investment by the Department in the fire service in Donegal will be considered under future capital programmes and will have regard to the fire authority's priorities, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands from other fire authorities for available funding.
