Vol. 554 No. 5
1596 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a new fire station at Ardmore in County Waterford; when he expects work to commence on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17381/02]
Waterford County Council's proposal for a new fire station at Ardmore was approved to be progressed to tender stage under my Department's 2002 fire services capital programme. The contract documents and cost plan provided by the council in August 2002 are at present under examination and are the subject of further queries between my Department and the council.
I intend that the project will be considered for inclusion in the 2003 fire services capital programme having regard to the level of funding available for the programme, the council's priorities and the competing demands of other fire authorities for this funding.
1597 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if there is a proposal to close the fire station at Lismore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17382/02]
The provision of fire cover is a statutory duty of the local fire authority, in this instance Waterford County Council, and my Department has no direct function in the matter. It would be a matter for the council, in the first instance, to determine the fire fighting requirements, including the location and operation of fire stations, needed to enable it to meet its statutory responsibilities.
Repair work was carried out by the council at Lismore fire station in 1998. I understand that the council has indicatively included the station in its proposed capital development programme for the fire service. No formal plans in this regard have however been submitted to my Department.
Question No. 1598 answered with Question No. 1462.
