Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2010
579 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an application for funding for a new fire station facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be approved; the timeframe for the provision of the funding; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5114/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and through setting of general policy. Following an application by North Tipperary County Council, approval in principle to extend the fire station in Templemore was granted in 2007 and it is understood that the Council has acquired a site adjacent to the existing fire station. Further investment in the fire service in North Tipperary will be considered under future capital programmes and will have regard to the fire authority's priorities, the spread of existing facilities, and the totality of demands from other fire authorities for available funding.
