Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
382. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of requests received from Kildare County Council for the purchase of additional fire appliances in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; and the number that were approved, pending or refused, respectively in each year. [34844/20]
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 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 infrastructural projects.
In February 2016, my Department announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme, 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. Over €60 million will be spent under that Programme.
The prioritisation and effective management of proposals is, in the first instance, a matter for each of the fire authorities based on their assessment of local needs and requirements. My Department works closely with fire services around the country to progress priority projects.
My Department did not receive a request for a fire appliance from Kildare County Council in the period 2018 – 2020 (to date). However, the Council has received over €500,000 in capital funding in this time for a new Class B Fire Appliance, as part of the 2017 Fire Appliance Procurement Programme, as well as three 4x4 vehicles, an electric van, and a Rostered Senior Fire Officer vehicle.
I will shortly be announcing a new Capital Services Programme covering the period 2021-2025. This Programme will continue to signifcantly fund the acquisition of new Fire Appliances so as to ensure that the national fleet remains in optimum condition.
