I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me the opportunity to raise this important issue on the Adjournment. In recent months I have raised this issue twice by way of parliamentary question, which underlines the importance I attach to it.
The provision of a new fire station at Dowra in north-west Cavan has been an ongoing project. In January 1993 the then Minister for the Environment approved the provision of a new fire station and the county council was requested to prepare and submit working drawings, plans and a bill of quantities. In March 1994 the council submitted the contract documents to the Department but it is obvious that very little progress has been achieved in the meantime as the contract documents have not been approved and the council has not been given permission to invite tenders for this much needed project.
Dowra is situated in north-west Cavan, an area of beautiful but difficult terrain, where the Cuilcagh mountains are also located. The nearest fire station in County Cavan is located at Ballyconnell, some 22 miles away. The nearest fire stations in adjoining counties are at Enniskillen, almost 20 miles away, and Drumshanbo, 11 miles away. In inclement weather it would take a fire tender considerable time to travel from Ballyconnell to Dowra, crossing the Cuilcagh mountains.
Over many years a huge afforestation programme has taken place in that portion of north-west Cavan, with the constant attendant threat of a major fire outbreak, adjacent to a populated area. Last year there was a serious fire in a forest near the village of Dowra, manifesting to the local community in no uncertain terms the absolute need for an adequate structure and applicances there at present. Large tracts of forestry have also been planted very near isolated rural homes. There is an ageing population in this area. Unfortunately, fires have taken lives and property all too often, particularly in the case of elderly people residing alone.
Adequate emergency services should be available in all regions. The national primary route, the N16, runs through part of this area. Since the cessation of violence in Northern Ireland on 31 August 1994 there has been a remarkable increase in traffic on that route. In the event of accidents or other emergencies adequate local fire services should be available to deal with them. The existing fire station at Dowra, which is totally inadequate and antiquated, covers a large catchment area, comprising the Glangevlin, Blacklion and Dowra areas. Situated near Blacklion is Loughan House with a large number of inmates. Such institutions may need to avail of those emergency services from time to time.
A new fire station would be a tremendous asset to an area where there has been very little State investment to date. I appeal to the Minister of State to give my renewed representations favourable and urgent consideration.
