Aindrias Moynihan
Question:93. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10022/20]
View answerTuesday, 9 June 2020
Questions (93)
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 Acts, 1981 and 2003. 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 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.
Macroom Fire Station is included in the programme of fire stations for construction within the five-year allocation announced in February 2016. Draft designs for the new station have been received and reviewed by my Department, and approval issued to Cork County Council on 19 February 2020 to proceed to seek tenders for the project.
On 26 May 2020 the Council submitted a tender proposal to my Department for approval prior to contract. This proposal is under review and a response will issue to the Council as soon as possible.