Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
1149. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the location of the proposed new fire service facility in Dunleer, County Louth; the status of the project that was announced in February 2016 as part of a €40 million investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1024/19]
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 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 an 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.
A new fire station at Dunleer is included in the Capital Programme, with an estimated commencement date of 2020. Identification of potential sites, determination of suitability of sites for a fire station and acquisition of an optimal site will be undertaken by Louth County Council. My Department will work with the Council to progress this project in accordance with the schedule set out in the Capital Programme.
