Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2652. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position regarding a review of the national stock of fire stations; his plans for a station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33262/18]
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, the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Act, 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2016, my Department announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on the current annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres. This programme is ongoing.
A new fire station was opened at Granard, Co Longford in 2007 which was fully grant-aided by my Department. Granard Fire Station is not therefore on the list of projects being supported in the current programme and Longford County Council have not been in touch with my Department with regard to any further proposals for that station.
