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Fire Stations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (1160)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

1160. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if assurance will be provided that the fire stations in Bundoran and Ballyshannon, County Donegal, will be retained to ensure the health and safety of both towns and surrounding communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8305/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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 Acts, 1981 and 2003.  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 and equipment.

My Department has channelled significant investment to fire authorities over the last number of years.  Donegal County Council, in partnership with my Department, has made substantial progress in modernising fire stations in the county. Twelve of the fifteen fire stations have been replaced following investment of some €11 million by my Department over the last decade or so.

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.

My Department reviews the status of projects on the list on an annual basis, and adjustments, including some additions, are made to the published five year programme. This includes consideration of additional fire station projects from fire authorities which fit the normal fire station project criteria and where an appropriate business case is presented.

I am aware that the provision of a new fire station in South Donegal has been the subject of ongoing discussion. While a station is not included in the current five-year programme, my Department has indicated to Donegal County Council that it will consider a proposal for advancing a fire station project in the south of the county.

I understand that in 2018 the Council undertook a process to inform the preparation of a proposal for a fire station in the south of the county, with a view to its submission to my Department thereafter. My Department awaits receipt of this from the Council.

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