Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise the issue of three fire stations in my constituency of Donegal South-West which are in urgent need of upgrading or replacement. The stations, which are located in Gleann Cholm Cille, Ballyshannon and Bundoran, are vital to the local populations they serve as well as to the increased populations in these areas during the summer months.

The smallest of the three stations, Gleann Cholm Cille, requires a new building. I understand the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Donegal County Council have confirmed that it is not possible to modernise the station and, therefore, the only option available is to build a new facility on the existing site. From the Department's point of view the next stage is to permit the council to seek planning permission for the construction of a new station. I hope this project can progress given that the parish is at present serviced by the fire station in Killybegs, which is a considerable distance away. Killybegs is one of the country's largest fishing harbours and if a fire or accident occurred there, the tender would not be available for Gleann Cholm Cille, Carrick and Kilcar. The station in Glean Cholm Cille will probably comprise two bays.

The other two stations are located in large towns which are serviced by town councils. The previous Government decided, following consultations between the Department and the county council, to build new stations in Ballyshannon and Bundoran. A site was identified in Bundoran and the next phase involves seeking planning permission and issuing a tender. Bundoran fire station is in a poor condition. The population of the town increases from 4,500 to more than 20,000 during the summer months and at weekends throughout the year. Major apartment buildings and holiday accommodation have been built around the town and it also contains several four storey hotels. The station urgently requires to be upgraded given that it also services the northern parts of counties Sligo and Leitrim. A site adjacent to the by-pass at Ballyshannon has been identified by Donegal County Council for a new station.

The Department is carrying out a review of the decision of the previous Government to proceed with the construction of new stations in Ballyshannon and Bundoran. I am concerned that the review may result in a decision to build one station on a site located between the two towns. This would not meet local demand, however, because studies have revealed that call-outs to areas north of Ballyshannon cannot not be dealt with by fire tenders based in Finner Camp or Bundoran. We must proceed with the two stations to which the previous Minister committed. Any reversal of that commitment would be unacceptable.

I respect the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and I appreciate that he is in the House to take this matter. I hope he can provide clarity on the issue for the people of these areas.