The 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. Under the Local Government Act 2001, all arrangements in relation to staffing in each local authority are the responsibility of the relevant Chief Executive of that Authority. 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.
The decision not to reopen Castlerea Fire Station was taken by Roscommon County Council. Any queries in relation to any costs associated with this issue should be addressed to the Council.