Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
1229. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on the fact that a fire station (details supplied) has been closed for over three years; if he will communicate with the relevant local authority in view of the concern for public safety in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/20]
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 fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Acts 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through general policy setting and preparing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
Roscommon County Council provides a fire service based out of fire stations at Roscommon town, Elphin, Boyle, Ballaghdereen and Strokestown. Significant areas of the county are also served from fire stations located in adjacent counties including Athlone, Ballinasloe, Ballyhaunis, Carrick-on-Shannon and Lanesboro.
My Department was informed by Roscommon County Council in February 2017 that, due to a particular local circumstance, Castlerea Fire Station was stood down with an efficient and safe fire cover being provided from the adjacent fire stations.
