Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

While I welcome the fact that Clara fire station has now been placed on the Department's construction project list, I have proceeded with this Topical Issue matter to obtain as much clarity as possible in respect of funding for the fire station. All Deputies can give many examples of capital projects and local construction projects throughout the State that have been signed off and approved by various Departments, only for those infrastructure projects to endure long delays before work commences. I think in particular of many school projects where unanticipated rises in construction inflation costs, for instance, have delayed works and caused much frustration in communities.

Will the Minister of State provide an assurance to the community of Clara, who need this new fire station, and to me that the capital funding allocated to Clara fire station will increase if construction costs increase? I accept that project management is complex and, as Ministers always point out, it is inevitable there will be delays to some projects in any given year. I understand, however, that the purpose of facilitating capital carryover is to allow, within reason, funding tied to projects to move smoothly from one year to the next. I am concerned that although funding may have been approved and signed off to much fanfare, it may become bogged down in a reapplication process if costs rise. That is what I want to avoid. I do not want the people of Clara to have to wait any longer than necessary for this new fire station.

Clara badly needs a fire station to be constructed as soon as possible. It needs guarantees that the Department will support the project financially until it is over the line and operational. I hope real progress will be made to replace the old fire station, which has served the community for decades but is no longer fit for purpose, with this new fire station as soon as possible.

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