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Fire Service Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Questions (439)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

439. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of requests Dublin City Council submitted to his Department for new fire appliances under the Fire Services Capital Programme 2013; the number of these requests that have been approved; the number that are pending and the number that have been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2437/13]

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Written answers

The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and emergency equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations. Dublin City Council provides fire services on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities. Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority, given the current constraints on public finances. In order to deliver cost efficiencies in line with recommendations of the Local Authority Efficiency Review Group, and following the development of an agreed national fire appliance specification, a programme is currently underway for delivery of 17 appliances, which involves fire authorities aggregating demand nationwide. Two appliances are currently at tender stage for Dublin Fire Brigade and are expected to be delivered during 2013 . No other application is outstanding at this time. Further support from my Department’s fire services capital programme for any fire appliances, equipment or fire station projects will be considered within the constraints of available resources and will have regard to local authorities’ priorities, the value for money offered by proposals and the totality of requests from fire authorities. Fleet size, usage and age profile are also considerations in respect of proposals for appliance replacement.

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