Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fire Service.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

136 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the supports in place to ensure the Dublin Fire Brigade service can respond to its demands; if there are outstanding issues which warrant address; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7315/02]

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

In accordance with section 10(2) of the Fire Services Act, 1981, the provision of a fire service is a matter for the local fire authority concerned, in this case Dublin City Council.

My Department assists fire authorities in the provision of a fire service through a range of functions, including sponsoring the legislation underpinning the fire service, capital funding – which I have substantially increased during my term of office – the development and updating of an emergency planning framework and guidelines and the promotion of training and other initiatives.

During 2001, the council purchased six new fire appliances for which I provided grant aid of more than €1.52 million. In addition, I approved the purchase of a further four fire appliances for which a tender proposal has recently been received in my Department. I also approved the provision of a command control and mobilising system in the new CAMP east region control centre in Townsend Street for which grant aid amounting to €6.86 million is being provided. A new full-time fire station is now nearing completion in Swords, with grant aid of €1.65 million from my Department.

Expenditure by Dublin City Council in providing a fire and emergency service for Dublin city and county in 2001 was approximately €62.5 million. Having regard to the above and from the information available to my Department, I am satisfied that Dublin Fire Brigade is being appropriately supported in relation to its task of providing an adequate and effective response to fire and other emergencies.