Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Before I address the substance of the issue raised by Deputy O' Shea, and given that we have been debating the tragic events in Bray, I am sure the House will join me again in paying tribute to the dedication and selflessness shown by the two members of the fire service who so tragically died while dealing with the fire in Bray, County Wicklow, almost two weeks ago. My sincere sympathy goes to the families and colleagues of the deceased, Mark O' Shaughnessy and Brian Murray, at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

I also wish to express my appreciation for the very significant contribution which the fire services in this country, both retained and full time, have made and continue to make each day, in safeguarding our communities.

The fire service capital programme is an annual programme and the 2007 programme has been fully allocated. Although no funding was provided in 2007 for Tallow fire station, Waterford County Council may prioritise Tallow fire station in future years, if considered appropriate, in seeking funding from the Department.

The first step in developing a project such as Tallow fire station under the programme is for the relevant local authority to prioritise it and apply to the Department for approval in principle. Projects are appraised on a case-by-case basis. To ensure effective project management after a given project is approved in principle, detailed cost plans and design plans, as well as draft contract documents, must be approved in advance of the project being put out to tender in line with public procurement provisions. These steps are intended to ensure value for money is achieved and the best possible use of resources is obtained under the programme. Typically, under the capital programme, sums are recouped by local authorities after construction has commenced.

Approval in principle was granted in 2001 for a new fire station in Tallow. Although it has not been possible to provide funding for this station as part of the 2007 fire services capital programme announced earlier this year, funding has been provided for various other priority projects which have been advanced in County Waterford since 2001. These include replacement stations and extensions or upgrading works at stations in Ardmore, Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Dunmore East and Tramore.

The Department has recently requested Waterford County Council to prioritise projects that the council wishes to progress under the fire services capital programme. The provision of Exchequer funding for a replacement fire station in Tallow will be considered under future capital programmes having regard to Waterford County Council's priorities, the existing facilities at the station, the proximity of other stations, and the competing demands from other fire authorities for available funding. I hope I have been able to clarify the matter for the Deputy.

I was not aware of the question regarding the letter which Deputy Brian O'Shea has referred to mentioning the amount of €600,000. I will seek to establish an answer to the question asked by the Deputy.

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