Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 4

Written Answers. - Castlebridge (Wexford) Fire Training Centre.

John Browne

Ceist:

131 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals, if any, he has for the upgrading of Castlebridge Fire Training Centre in County Wexford to a national fire training centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10967/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The Castlebridge Fire Training Centre was opened in 1978 and was used for many years by Wexford and other fire authorities as a centre for breathing apparatus training. Any initiative in relation to the upgrading of the centre would, in the first place, be a matter for Wexford County Council.

My Department assists fire authorities generally in relation to training for fire services personnel by providing funds for modern training facilities which are now widely available throughout the country. My Department also provides funds and administrative assistance to the Fire Services Council which arranges an annual training programme for fire services personnel.