Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic Stardust disaster and it is perhaps fitting that we have a much-needed debate on reform and improvement of the fire service. On the Stardust issue, I reiterate Sinn Féin's absolute support for the campaign of the families of those killed and injured.

In 2004, Dublin Fire Brigade responded to more than 200 incidents per day on average. That single statistic is a testament to the skill, courage and determination of the men and women of the fire brigade but without substantial changes, a disaster is waiting to happen. Our overstretched fire service is unable to respond adequately. There is an urgent need to focus attention on reform and investment in the fire service. Dublin Fire Brigade delivers a range of services and it is unacceptable that the last fire risk assessment was carried out more than 20 years ago.

I ask the Minister of State to indicate in his response if the Government would be prepared to pursue the issue of putting such an assessment in place with the various local authorities. Blanchardstown fire station, whose area includes Connolly hospital as well as a major chemical storage facility, has just one fire appliance. Fingal has some of the largest chemical sites in the State but to date has no equipment for mass decontamination. In addition, the two high-reach turntables for buildings over three storeys are based in Tara Street and would require a lengthy period of time to reach areas like Fingal or my area in Tallaght, where 12 storey apartments are currently being built.

There has been a short-sighted approach taken and criminal disregard for the non-involvement of the fire service in planning matters in Dublin. Since it is not represented on many of the major planning forums in the city and county, due consideration is now given to the way good planning can impact on, for example, access to fires and other emergencies and a faster reaction time, in allowing multiple units to congregate at a serious incident and enabling sustainable traffic diversions to be put in place. Dublin Fire Brigade is not represented on the Northern Fringe Forum and the forums overseeing developments in Adamstown, Poolbeg, Rathmichael, Cherrywood and Cherry Orchard.

In addition to the issue of assessment, I ask the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to take steps to address the lack of representation of the fire brigade as of right on planning forums such as those I mentioned. Concern has also been expressed about the fact that there are no plans to purchase fire tenders with a reach longer than seven storeys, despite the increasing number of taller buildings. The two turntables for three storey and higher buildings are located in Tara Street, which prolongs the response time to some areas. A review of equipment in terms of what is available and needed and where it is deployed is essential.

Another indictment of the parties that have been in power relates to the fact that the number of fire brigade ambulances has not increased since 1986. The number of emergency calls received annually has increased from 26,000 to more than 80,000 yet there are still only 11 ambulances. The fatal accident on Dublin's south quays in 2004 that left five people dead stretched the fire and ambulance units. Eight ambulances were deployed to Wellington Quay, leaving just three for the rest of the county. Two major accidents occurring at the same time, therefore, would cause a major problem and would inevitably lead to injury and possible loss of life. I urge the Government to carry out urgent reform and invest in the State's fire service, which is currently under-resourced and under-structured.

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