Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
97. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will seek a review of the closure of a service (details supplied) provided under local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54038/23]
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 Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through general policy-setting and preparing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2017, my Department was informed by Roscommon County Council that Castlerea fire brigade was to be stood down. A formal decision not to re-open Castlerea Fire station was made, at the appropriate local level, by Roscommon County Council in 2020 based on an independently peer reviewed report “Roscommon County Council Fire Services – Operations Risk Management Review and Area Risk Assessment” presented to the Council at their July 2020 meeting.
It is important to note that the non-availability of any particular fire station does not mean that fire risk management, including fire service response, is diminished. The systemic approach to fire risk management, which has been the policy underpinning the delivery of fire services in this country for more than a decade, has seen a welcome and steady downward trend in fire losses in Ireland.
Roscommon County Council provide fire services from fire stations at Roscommon town, Elphin, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Strokestown. Significant areas of the county are also served from fire stations located in adjacent counties including Athlone, Ballinasloe, Ballyhaunis, Carrick-on-Shannon and Lanesboro. The response is codified in a formal Pre-Determined Attendance profile that is validated by the Chief Fire Officer.
Fire cover for Castlerea has continued to be provided from the adjacent fire stations and my Department has been assured that fire cover in the area continues to be managed and delivered in an efficient and safe manner by adjacent fire brigades. Roscommon Fire and Rescue Service is equipped to deal appropriately with the level of fire risk in the community and, while Castlerea Fire Brigade was stood down more than five years ago, the fire service to residents, business owners, institutions and schools has continued to be delivered in a safe and appropriate manner in line with the Operations Risk Management Review presented to Roscommon County Council.
I remain assured that fire safety in the area continues to be managed and delivered in an efficient and safe manner by Roscommon Fire Service.
