Niamh Smyth
Question:130. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or his Department are aware of when the energy upgrade will be completed at Carrickmacross fire station. [43201/23]
View answerWednesday, 4 October 2023
Questions (130, 141)
Niamh Smyth
Question:141. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43025/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 141 together.
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 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 February 2021, my Department approved a request from Cavan County Council to accept a tender for the construction of a new fire station at Ballyjamesduff; the project was fully funded by my Department with capital funding in excess of €1.54 million. That construction project has been completed and the new Ballyjamesduff fire station has been operational since February 2023. I understand it is the intention of the Council to hold an official opening ceremony for the new Ballyjamesduff fire station when a suitable date can be identified.
Energy efficiency is an issue of great importance for all fire authorities, in October 2022 Monaghan County Council sought and were granted capital funding for the replacement of the appliance bay doors at Carrickmacross and Clones fire stations. Those works, which have now been completed, are part of an ongoing series of works that will aid the conservation of energy and complement future thermal mass upgrades to the fire stations. I understand Monaghan County Council have undertaken further works to the heating system at Carrickamacross fire station and have recently submitted a grant application for additional works to the accommodation/welfare facilities at Carrickmacross, Clones and Castleblayney fire stations that are currently under consideration for capital grant assistance.
Any proposal received by my Department requesting further support from the Fire services capital programme is considered with regard to national priorities and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide.