Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy O'Shea for raising this matter. I am glad to place on record the Government's commitment to the fire services in terms of modernisation and financial investment. I also wish to express our appreciation for the significant contribution which the fire services continue to make each day in safeguarding our communities. As the Deputy will be aware, this commitment can be a dangerous one, as evidenced by a recent traffic accident resulting in the death while on duty of fire fighter Michael Liston and Garda Brian Kelleher. I am certain that the Deputy will join me in expressing my sincere sympathy to both families.

Funding has been provided for a range of priority projects which have been advanced in County Waterford in the past five years or so. These include replacement stations and extensions or upgrading works at stations in Ardmore, Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Dunmore East and Tramore. It would be an understatement to say that Waterford has done well.

My Department has accepted the case for a replacement station at Tallow. While approval in principle was granted for a new fire station some years ago, I expect that this project will advance through more detailed cost and design procedures as soon as possible within the wider context of Waterford's fire services development programme. Requests submitted by fire authorities for funding for the building or refurbishment of fire stations are considered on a case-by-case basis having regard to the existing facilities, the level of activity, the proximity of other fire stations, the fire authority's priorities and the competing demands of other fire authorities for available funding.

The fire service has been in receipt of considerable resources. There have been massive improvements affecting all areas of the service — more investment in infrastructure and equipment, more staff, better training, improved communications and the stepping up of the legislation.

Over the past 25 years, almost €240 million has been provided under the fire services capital programme for the provision of new and refurbished fire stations and the purchase of fire appliances and other equipment. At this stage, over two thirds of our fire stations, including almost all of the busiest stations, have been replaced, we have a modern fleet of front-line fire appliances, and we have a modern emergency response communications system.

Much improvement has been achieved already and I assure Deputy O'Shea that we are fully aware of the needs in Waterford. I hope to respond positively to the current request in respect of Tallow as soon as resources allow. I am conscious of the need for a new station in Tallow and it is a matter that will be very much borne in mind under the new programme.

See this speech in context