Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Fire Service.

John Perry

Ceist:

254 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the provisions, if any, made for new fire engines for Ballymote and Tubbercurry fire stations in County Sligo following the report submitted by the Chief Fire Officer; when they will be provided; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current fire engines are over 20 years old, require constant maintenance and are unable to deal effectively with any hazard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24116/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The provision of a fire service, including fire fighting appliances and their distribution among fire stations, is a matter for each local fire authority – in this case Sligo County Council – in accordance with section 10 of the Fire Services Act, 1981. However, my Department assists fire authorities by providing capital grants towards expenditure they incur in the purchase of such appliances etc.

On 22 November 1999, I issued approval to Sligo County Council to invite tenders for one new fire appliance. An Exchequer grant will be provided in due course to meet the full cost of the appliance.

An application from Sligo County Council for grant-aid to purchase a second new fire appliance remains under examination in my Department. This application will be considered having regard to the level of funding available for the fire services capital programme and the competing demands on those funds. It is not possible, at this stage, to say when any further new appliance for Sligo County Council can be grant-aided.