Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2017
205. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when construction is due to commence on the new fire station in Ballinamore, County Leitrim; if a detailed cost plan and description of the proposed works has been received from Leitrim County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40843/17]
View answerThe 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 the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2016, my Department announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on an annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres.
With regard to Ballinamore fire station, correspondence was initially received in August 2007 outlining works required. Further to this, a Capital Appraisal was requested in January 2008 and received by my Department in March 2010. A further report was submitted by Leitrim County Council in August 2015 detailing a remedial works/refurbishment project costing €120,000. This fire station project has been included under the five-year Fire Services Capital Programme and is listed as one of the stations to undergo remedial/upgrade works.
In July 2017 the Council requested approval for additional works to the initial proposal at a total cost of €400,000. My Department requested a detailed cost plan and description of these proposed works. Following the receipt and evaluation of this information, it has been decided to approve Leitrim County Council to proceed to tender stage. Upon receipt of a tender proposal my Department will continue working with Leitrim County Council to progress this project. The projects in the capital programme are reassessed on an annual basis and priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects offering best value-for-money and to take account of the state of readiness of the projects.
