Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
862. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the long-awaited new fire station for Dunleer, County Louth; the location and details of the development; the key project expected timelines; the total number of staff expected to be employed once complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37720/23]
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 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 equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
In December 2020, I announced a new Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
• Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
• established Health and Safety needs;
• state of development of the project (is site acquired, etc.); and
• value for money offered by the proposal.
This new Programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further twelve new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of thirty-five new fire engines. In order to maximise the available Capital Programme funding, my Department re-assesses the status of projects in the Programme on an annual basis, and some flexibility is normally available to advance projects that are ready and that offer best value-for-money taking account of the state of readiness of projects more generally.
Louth County Council has indicated that Dunleer is their top priority project, and a new fire station at Dunleer is provided for in this Capital Programme. The Council submitted a preliminary appraisal to my Department in January 2021. Following examination of the proposal, approval in principle for this project issued on 25 June 2021, along with approval for the Council to appoint a design team and progress this project to full design and cost plan stage. Louth County Council are working to finalise the acquisition of the preferred site. Upon final confirmation of site acquisition, Louth County Council will move quickly through the necessary phases to progress the construction of a new station for Dunleer. My Department will continue to work with Louth County Council to progress the Dunleer fire station project.
