Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
151. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the refurbishment of a fire station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29763/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services 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.
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.
The Cappamore Station Project is included under the 2016 – 2020 Capital Programme. In order to maximise the Capital Programme funding available, my Department re-assesses the status of projects in the capital programme on an annual basis and priority may be adjusted to bring forward more advanced projects offering best value-for-money taking account of the state of readiness of projects in the programme more generally.
In 2017, my Department approved a new drill tower at Cappamore fire station for which Limerick City and County Council was reimbursed just under €52,000. My Department has received an outline design and cost proposal from the Council for redevelopment of the fire station at Cappamore. Approval in principle for this project issued last week, along with approval to for the Council to tender for design services. On receipt of detailed specifications and drawings, my Department will continue working with the Council to progress this project.
