Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:43 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment whether adequate funding is available to fund the fire service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fire Service.
Within the limits of the resources available to it, including the rate support grant and other grants for specific services it is a matter for each local authority to determine the level of funding to be provided on the day to day operation of each of its services, including the fire service. In addition, a State grant of 100 per cent is available to local authorities for approved capital expenditure on fire service projects such as the construction and improvement of fire stations, the purchase of fire appliances, communications, emergency and other rescue equipment. Grants totalling £68 million have been made available to local authorities for these purposes from 1981 to date.